This summer, the Warwick Area Farmworker Organization (WAFO) launched a seven-week program for its Teen Leaders, sponsored by the Morehouse Medical School. This was the first time the Morehouse program was offered to students in New York State or to children of farmworkers anywhere in the US. The twenty-module virtual program provided students with a comprehensive view of the public health issues facing minority communities, as well as the social determinants of health and the role played by Community Health Workers (CHWs) in improving the health of the community. Twenty students participated, many from farmworker families, with great success.
WAFO collaborated with Sun River Health, a large network of Federally Qualified health care providers, and Pathstone, an organization serving farmworkers and their families. The certification program included community outreach, with hands-on work at a food pantry and a community garden. Students also were required to participate in a community event during their training. Many of the students gave presentations to farmworker parents on diabetes prevention during a meeting of Dulce Esperanza, WAFO’s summer enrichment program. Over sixty parents participated in this event. The parents who attended the presentation on pre-diabetes were grateful to hear more about this subject in their primary language.
Students were exposed to a range of healthcare careers while also learning about the great need for health professionals. There is growing demand for all positions throughout the healthcare field. Bi-lingual staff with a background in health care will be helpful for future employers. The Morehouse program could serve as a pipeline for participants who may decide to enter the healthcare workforce.
The students learned about the training required for each field and about the future demand in the professions. The program was led by Kathy Brieger, Executive Director of WAFO, and Angela Northrup, PhD, with support from Jobeth Leon, Director of the Dulce Esperanza summer program. Alexa Adach provided coordination for the students with Morehouse Medical School.
On December 16th, a celebration will be held to issue certificates and to publicly recognize the students. WAFO plans to include the students in community health events within Orange County. They may serve as mentors for future students enrolled in this program. Some will work with Senior Community Health Workers in conducting outreach activities.
For more information about WAFO and its programs, please contact Katherine Brieger, Executive Director, at (845) 258-1560 or visit the WAFO website, info@wafarmworker.org.
