First HRHCare ‘Day of Health’ Draws Over 70 Long Island Agricultural Workers for Free Health Assessments

Pg 6 DOHHRHCare’s Agricultural Health Fund Increases Health Care Access for Agricultural Workers and Their Families

RIVERHEAD, NY – HRHCare, one of the largest federally qualified health center (FQHC) systems in the country with a 40-year history of providing high-quality health care to underserved populations, hosted a first ever “Day of Health” at two vineyards in Long Island’s North Fork this week, providing free, much-needed primary care services to the chronically underserved workforce in the area. Held at Shinn Estate Vineyards in Mattituck and Pindar Vineyards in Peconic, the inaugural day of health reached more than 70 Long Island agricultural workers, providing free health assessments, flu shots and health education. The event was the result of funds raised by the HRHCare Foundation, supported by the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowers, at its Honoring the Hands benefit in July. The HRHCare Foundation supports the workers behind the scenes of Long Island’s wine industry and other underserved populations in its ten-county service area.

“Agriculture is a vital driver of Long Island’s economy, but those who work in the field often lack the resources to access affordable, high-quality health care services,” said Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, President and CEO of HRHCare. “Each and every person who came to the Day of Health left a little bit healthier and knowing that they can count on HRHCare as their health care home for themselves and their families. We are proud that we could join with local sustainable vineyard growers who believe as we do that workers who provide so much to the rest of our Long Island community should be cared for in this manner.”

“The incredible teamwork between HRHCare and the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowers is what made this effort successful,” said Barbara Shinn of Shinn Estate Vineyards. “We are truly fortunate to have a collaboration like this on the East End and look forward to another Day of Health this coming spring.”

“We were enthusiastic about providing any support we could at Pindar Vineyards to make the HRHCare Day of Health a success,” said Pindar Damianos, Owner and Director of Vineyard Management at Pindar Vineyards. “The Day of Health hosted at our Peconic tasting room on November 10th made a notable difference for many local farm workers. We’re happy to repeat an event like this anytime.”

Throughout the day, HRHCare’s bilingual team served more than 70 local workers, representing more than a dozen farms throughout the North Fork, providing a range of free services including:

• Health consultations with HRHCare’s Dr. Charles De La Cuadra, who also provided skin cancer screening services;
• Flu vaccinations;
• Nutritional education;
• Access to insurance education and enrollment;
• Voucher for follow-up appointments;
• Education for vineyard owners about HRHCare’s services, including dentistry; and
• Information for future care for many more farmworkers and their families.

“As a mother, I forget to take care of myself,” said Esther Muñoz, a mother of three who learned about the Day of Health through her church. “But taking care of myself is necessary for my family.”

Agriculture is the largest industry on Long Island, contributing nearly $260 million to the local economy, yet farmworkers and their families often struggle to gain access to quality health care. Many of these families suffer from poor nutrition, asthma, musculoskeletal conditions, and a lack of preventive care and dental services.

About HRHCare

HRHCare is a nonprofit, New York State licensed, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Founded 40 years ago to provide care to the medically underserved population of Peekskill, New York, HRHCare is now one of the nation’s largest community health providers. From the Capitol Region to the East End of Long Island, HRHCare’s network of 26 health centers provides affordable, accessible care to more than 135,000 patients through 500,000 visits annually. Our more than 350 primary care practitioners and 700 specialists and support staff have made HRHCare a destination for high-quality and compassionate care for all.
As HRHCare has grown it has retained its core values of community and compassion. Excelling in patient care, HRHCare provides comprehensive services to anyone who walks through our doors. HRHCare’s health centers provide primary and preventive treatment including adult and pediatric care; obstetrical and gynecological care; family planning; HIV counseling, testing, and referral; dental services; mental health counseling; nutrition counseling; podiatry; WIC services; health education; and a full complement of outreach, translation, transportation, benefits counseling and health insurance enrollment assistance.
HRHCare has a profound commitment to the communities it serves and works to improve community health through partnerships and collaborations with local community leaders, businesses, social service agencies, housing organizations, food banks, agricultural worker alliances and other local stakeholders. HRHCare believes if it wants to ensure quality care for its patients, it should ensure quality pay for its staff, which is why it provides a minimum living wage of $15 an hour for all employees.

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