Cesar Chavez Day in Parlier, Cal. – Focus on Health
By Katrina Wyatt and Maria Zapata
Central Valley Health Network’s Cesar Chavez event in Parlier, Cal. targeted uninsured farmworkers. Despite the weather, 100-150 people came to take advantage of the services and enjoy the entertainment offered.
Those offering services included United Health Centers, Central Valley Health Network, AmeriCorps, Centro La Familia, Central California Legal Aide, Centro Binacional, Network for a Healthy California and HealthNet.
Entertainment was provided by the Purepecha Dancers, and KUFW Radio played some fine music.
Many farm workers have never seen a doctor, or maybe once or twice in their lifetime. Health screenings by United Health Centers informed participants about symptoms of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol and provided free screenings.
The Network for a Healthy California provided recipe sampling through their Latino Campaign, and an activity corner for the kids through their Power Play Campaign.
AmeriCorps members handed out waters to participants and handed out information on how to get involved in the program while also helping in the activity corner. AmeriCorps members at the Central Valley Health Network do outreach in the community to help individuals without healthcare get access to services in their community. Children’s activities included jump-ropes and hula-hoops.
Centro La Familia and Centro Binancional offered materials to encourage parents to get proper care for their families, especially for mental health. Both organizations also offer information for indigenous groups on housing, nutrition, translation services, and many other issues.
HealthNet held a table to educate the community on their medical services, including signing patients up for social services such as MediCal. They are now known in California as CalViva.
Central California Legal Aide provided information on immigration status and healthcare especially, as well as other services.
One participant in particular stood out to a health worker at the United Health Center table, where health screenings were being offered. This farm worker has never been to a doctor in his life. A Spanish speaker, his understanding of the healthcare system has been limited and at times quite confusing.
While at United Health Center’s booth, he was told that his blood sugar was particularly high, and that he should see a doctor to get a full reading and diagnostic test. He agreed to make an appointment at the community health center so that he could control his symptoms and prevent further damage to his health.
It is small success stories like this that show us that every piece of information can do a great deal of good in the community, and that we should always strive to do more.
Katrina Wyatt is a Member of Americorps. You can reach her at:
kwyatt@cvhnclinics.org
916.552.2846 ext. 235
Maria Zapata is a Community Health Leader at Central Valley Health Network. She can be reached at:
mzapata@cvhnclinics.org
559.255.4300
The Central Valley Health Network is located at:
2000 "O" Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95811
www.cvhnclinics.org