Every year the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) honors outstanding individuals and organizations for their meaningful contributions to improving the health of seasonal, agricultural, and migrant workers. These awards recognize dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to serving people who may not otherwise have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. We are proud to spotlight the winners of the awards announced this week at the 2024 Conference for Agricultural Worker Health in Atlanta.
Lifetime Achievement in Migrant Health Award
Sister Ann Kendrick’s remarkable journey as one of the founders of Community Health Centers, Inc. (CHC) in Central Florida is the winner of our 2024 Lifetime Achievement in Migrant Health Award. Her deeply dedicated, courageous, and humanitarian career spans over 50 years. In 1971, Sister Ann and fellow nuns identified the critical need for migrant workers in Central Florida to have access to healthcare – in an area where no services previously existed. Despite facing adversity and inexperience, these nuns established CHC, which started as a single-wide trailer. In Sister Ann’s words, “It all started as a simple health clinic operating out of a single-wide trailer in Apopka. Community Health Centers, Inc. has come a long way since then.”
As can be seen today, her transformative leadership propelled CHC’s growth into a network of clinics that now provide pediatrics, family medicine, women’s health services, optometry, dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to over 70,000 patients annually. Sister Ann’s commitment to inclusivity and compassion has left an indelible mark on migrant health in Central Florida.
Outstanding Migrant Health Award
Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC), our 2024 winner, exemplifies excellence in migrant healthcare delivery and outcomes. Since its inception in 2005, RCCHC has been committed to providing high-quality care to migrant farmworkers in Northeastern North Carolina. To address the numerous health and income disparities faced by this vital workforce, RCCHC created an aggressive campaign to identify and mitigate their needs.
The result is the “Agricultural Health Worker Outreach Program” which now provides comprehensive services including medical care, dental care, transportation assistance, translation services, medication assistance, pesticide exposure training, environmental/occupational disease and injury prevention training, and other tailored preventive care services. With the recent addition of a Mobile Clinic, RCCHC expanded its reach, ensuring migrant farmworkers receive timely and accessible healthcare. Next year, they hope to add dental services to their Mobile Clinic.
Outstanding Migrant Health Public Service Award – In Memoriam
Jillian Hopewell’s lifelong dedication to migrant health made her a beacon of hope for countless individuals. Throughout her 28 years at the Migrant Clinicians Network,(MCN) Jillian tirelessly advocated for the health needs of migrant farmworkers. Her leadership led to the development of resources and training programs that empowered health center clinicians around the country to provide culturally sensitive and effective care to the most vulnerable. These include the development of MCN’s now longstanding National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAP) with the Health Resources and Services Administration; and the Social Determinants of Health Academy, launched in 2021, where numerous virtual trainings with NTTAP helped health center clinicians develop and execute SDOH interventions. The training programs she influenced have had a major national impact on better care at health centers for migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
Despite battling cancer, Jillian continued her advocacy until her passing in December 2023, leaving behind a legacy of health, justice, and compassion. We will all miss Jillian Hopewell and are proud to honor her work with the 2024 Outstanding Migrant Health Public Service Award.
Outstanding Migrant Health Center Board Member Award
Nelida Acosta’s commitment to Adelante Healthcare in Phoenix, Arizona, has been instrumental in advancing migrant health initiatives.
Her dedication as a patient and board member underscores the vital role of governance in supporting migrant health centers. As a board member, she speaks out to support the community and build vital support for health center programs. Serving on the board is important to Nelida because Adelante assisted her family when they had no healthcare, and they continue to help those without insurance. Nelida loves advocating for health center programs and assisting in the community where there is a need.
Each 2024 award winner embodies the spirit of service and compassion, striving to improve the lives of migrant, agricultural, and seasonal worker communities across the nation. Their tireless efforts remind us of the importance of equitable access to healthcare for all, regardless of background or circumstance. As we celebrate their achievements, let us renew our commitment to creating a healthier, more inclusive future for underserved populations everywhere.