Camp Health Aide Program: Everyone Benefits
Author: Robinson, June Grube R.D., M.P.H.
Date Published: 1989
The Camp Health Aide Program of the Midwest Migrant Health Information Office (MMHIO) is an educational program designed to bridge the gap between the existing health care system and the migrant farmworker in need of health care. Through it, migrant women (and in a few cases, men) received training and act as health resource persons in their migrant camps. The program has been operating in the Midwest for the past five years, and has successfully benefited migrant farmworkers, migrant health centers, outreach workers from health centers, and the participants themselves. Participants are chosen for the Camp Health Aide Program on the criteria of: 1) being out-going and able to talk to all the people in their camp; 2) being bilingual, and 3) their motivation to learn about health issues. Initially Camp Health Aides receive 20 hours of health training by MMHIO staff members who serve as Program Coordinators. In addition to training, the Coordinators provide one-to-one supervision and weekly group meetings for the Camp Health Aides throughout the summer migrant season. A Program Coordinator, who is usually a bilingual health educator or nurse, may work with four to ten Camp Health aides.
Date Published: 1989
The Camp Health Aide Program of the Midwest Migrant Health Information Office (MMHIO) is an educational program designed to bridge the gap between the existing health care system and the migrant farmworker in need of health care. Through it, migrant women (and in a few cases, men) received training and act as health resource persons in their migrant camps. The program has been operating in the Midwest for the past five years, and has successfully benefited migrant farmworkers, migrant health centers, outreach workers from health centers, and the participants themselves. Participants are chosen for the Camp Health Aide Program on the criteria of: 1) being out-going and able to talk to all the people in their camp; 2) being bilingual, and 3) their motivation to learn about health issues. Initially Camp Health Aides receive 20 hours of health training by MMHIO staff members who serve as Program Coordinators. In addition to training, the Coordinators provide one-to-one supervision and weekly group meetings for the Camp Health Aides throughout the summer migrant season. A Program Coordinator, who is usually a bilingual health educator or nurse, may work with four to ten Camp Health aides.
