FROM OUR HANDS TO YOURS

The agricultural industry relies heavily on farmworkers, and while they provide invaluable and necessary goods and services, they often earn low wages and face job instability as their employment depends upon weather conditions, the health of crops and immigration policies. Agricultural workers endure many job-related hazards and risks associated with their working conditions and the manual nature of their work, such as working in the rain and blazing sun, strained muscles and bones due to constant bending and stooping, and skin disorders, infectious diseases and exposure to pesticides.

They also work extremely long hours, from sun up to sun down. Most live in isolation, away from their families, and face linguistic, cultural and social barriers as a way of life. Many suffer chronic health conditions including diabetes and hypertension. While they work to provide nutritious food for our tables, they generally live in close quarters, eat in groups at migrant camps and seldom have control over their own diets.

Due to the many extreme conditions and challenges agricultural workers encounter, many farmworkers suffer poorer-than-average health. Without the help of Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers’ Migrant Outreach Team, along with our providers, clinical support staff and health centers, our local farm workers would lack access to healthcare, education and other services. At SJFMC we are committed to helping farmworkers in any way we can and enhancing their lives by providing them with compassionate health care and empowering them through health education and promotion. We find that their positivity, pride and determination are admirable! As they work hard for better lives for themselves and their families, we ask you to do your part. Understand the life of a farmworker. Recognize and appreciate their various cultures and contributions to our communities, and say thanks to the helping hands that put food on our plates.

Linda Y. Flake, MBA

Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers President/Chief Executive Officer, Linda Y. Flake, has led the organization since 1992. Flake, a health center pioneer, is credited for making SJMFC a premier health center that breaks down barriers to care and closes the gap in health disparities. She makes it her personal mission to protect the most vulnerable and make quality health care a reality for everyone.

Mika Highsmith-Hasan

Mika Highsmith-Hasan is the head of Marketing and Public Relations for SJFMC. An award winning former television journalist with a track record of advocating for viewers by solving problems, she is committed to boosting awareness on the value of SJFMC, advocating for patients while continuing to champion for the less privileged, and telling thoughtful stories that bring sensitive issues to light and provoke change.

Nicole Travis, MPH

Nicole Travis led the Migrant Outreach Department at Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers for three seasons. Prior to her employment at SJFMC, she spent two years in the Peace Corps as a health educator, worked as an outreach coordinator in New York City and obtained her Master’s Degree in Public Health.

Tracie Van Auken, Photographer

Tracie Van Auken is a freelance photographer living in West Philadelphia. She is a New Jersey native and received a master’s in photojournalism from Ohio University and a bachelors in film from the University of Southern California.