By Yvette Crenshaw
The 2011 National Farmworker Conference has started in Delray Beach, FL. The national conference is the only one of its kind that brings together a host of health experts, activists, researchers and leaders to focus on health services for America’s migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Attendees from all over the country gather to dialogue on issues related to farmworker health and hear encouraging words from inspiring speakers, such as Christine Chavez. Chavez is the Farmworker Coordinator for the Office of Advocacy and Outreach at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But as the grandaughter of Cesar Chavez, she’s made a lifetime commitment to public service, civil rights and the labor movement. For years she has worked with the United Farm Workers Union, the organization her grandfather helped to co-found 40 years ago.
Conference attendees also had a host of education sessions related to farmworker health to choose from and gain knowledge to take back home to their communities. And another conference highlight is awarding the health center leaders for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the migrant health care mission.
“Giving out awards to such deserving people is always my favorite part of the confernce,” expressed Anita Monoian, NACHC Chair of the Board, and CEO of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services in Yakima, WA.
NACHC would like to send a special congratulations to the following awardees:
- Antonio Rivera, MD, Medical Director at Vida Y Salud-Health Systems inc. in Crystal City, TX received the Lifetime Achievement in Migrant Health Award.
- Columbia Basin Health Association in Othello, WA, recieved the Migrant Health Award.
- Gwnedolyn E. Gould, Board Chair for CompleteCare Health Network Inc., in Bridgeton, NJ, who received the Outstanding Board Member Award.
- Velma Hendershott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Intercare Community Health Network in Bangor, MI received the Outstanding Migrant Health Public Service Award.
If you were unable to attend this year’s Farmworker Conference, be sure to look out for missed sessions on the LiveLearning Center – coming soon!