Students from the Institute of Clinical Bioethics brought the Mobile Health Promoter to migrant farm workers in Hammonton and Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Through health screenings, conversations, and community outreach, students had the opportunity to provide preventative healthcare while learning from the workers they served. Their experiences offered meaningful lessons about resilience, community, dignity, and the barriers many migrant farm workers face in accessing healthcare. Below, the leaders and coordinators of this health promoter reflect on the moments and relationships that made their time with the Mobile Health Promoter especially meaningful.
Rylie Joslin (Neuroscience, ’28)
What stood out to me most was the fact that the majority of the workers had not eaten anything all day. We started our clinics in the evening, so it was surprising to hear people say they had breakfast in the morning and nothing since, or sometimes nothing at all. I noticed that many of the men had calloused hands and fingers that were difficult to prick with lancets. Often I had to make multiple pricks in order to test cholesterol, but every worker I saw insisted on having it done. They were very concerned with their glucose and cholesterol levels, asking what the numbers meant and if they were in a healthy range. Everyone I spoke to was incredibly nice and were patient with me despite the language barriers.
Isabella Moraca (Neuroscience and Music, ’29)
Working with the migrant farm workers has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience over the past three years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to get to know many of the workers who come into the farm stand, especially Jenny and Fabie. Seeing them regularly has allowed me to build genuine relationships with them beyond simple customer interactions. I always enjoy taking the time to chat with them, ask how they are doing, and hear about their days.
Through these conversations, I have gained a greater appreciation for the sacrifices they make and the hard work they put in every day. The farm workers often spend long hours working in difficult weather conditions to help provide fresh produce for our community. Their dedication, resilience, and positive attitudes have left a lasting impression on me. They are some of the hardest-working people I have ever met, yet they are always kind, grateful, and willing to share a smile or conversation.
From what I have observed, many of the workers live modestly while being far from their families for extended periods of time. Although these circumstances can be challenging, they continue to support one another and take pride in their work. Witnessing this has helped me better understand the realities that many migrant farm workers face and has strengthened my respect for them.
This experience has taught me the importance of treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect. Building friendships with Jenny, Fabie, and the other workers has reminded me that even small conversations can make someone feel welcomed and valued. Working at the farm has not only helped me grow professionally but has also shaped my perspective on gratitude, empathy, and the value of hard work.
Skyler Reka (Biology, ’27)
The Rural Health Promoters at the blueberry field in Hammonton and at Grasso Girls Farm in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, were among the most unique and memorable experiences I have had throughout my time in the ICB. It gave us the opportunity to bring preventative healthcare to migrant farmworkers, many of whom have limited access to medical care due to the demanding nature of their work as well as being undocumented and uninsured.
As we provided health screenings, it was impossible not to notice evidence of the physical demands of their daily work. Many arrived straight from working in the fields, wearing worn, work-stained clothing. Before checking blood glucose levels, we carefully cleaned and disinfected their hands, which were often covered in dirt from a full day of labor. Even after cleaning, it frequently took multiple lancets to obtain enough blood because years of manual labor had left their skin calloused. These small details served as powerful reminders of the physically demanding work they perform every day.
Despite the challenges they face, every individual greeted us with remarkable kindness and gratitude. They patiently participated in the screenings, thanked us for coming, and welcomed us with genuine warmth.
The Rural Health Promoter deepened my appreciation for community outreach and the importance of serving underserved populations. While we were there to provide preventative healthcare services, the experience was not one-sided. The migrant farm workers taught us just as much as we hoped to offer them. Their resilience, strong work
ethic, humility, and gratitude served as powerful reminders that service is not simply giving but also about learning. As future healthcare professionals, we have just as much to learn from our patients as they may learn from us.
Isabel Mejia (Health Sciences, ’27)
Serving as a lead coordinator of the Mobile Health Promoter has been one of my favorite and most rewarding experiences at the ICB. This summer was my second time visiting the migrant farm workers, giving me another opportunity to learn about their experiences of coming to the United States for work. One thing I noticed was that many workers were hesitant to seek medical care. At the same time, I realized the strong sense of community the workers had built. They looked after each other, followed each other though the health stations, and spent time talking in line while waiting. Watching this highlighted the strong community the workers had created through their shared experiences of leaving their homes to work in the United States. I believe that the Mobile Health Promoter is one of the promoters most affected by today’s political climate. While the current environment can create apprehension among workers when accessing healthcare, it also seemed to reinforce the support they offered one another. Visiting the migrant farm workers allows students to understand a community that is often overlooked. This experience emphasizes the importance of providing accessible and equitable healthcare for all, regardless of where they call home or how long they are present within a community.