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The Welland-McMaster Family Health Team (WMFHT) has been a beacon of support for migrant workers in Pelham for the past three years, offering Sunday afternoon health clinics throughout the summer. This year, in a collaborative effort with the Niagara Migrant Workers Interest Group (NMWIG) and Positive Living Niagara, WMFHT hosted their 2nd Annual Health Fair for Migrant Workers on Sunday, May 26th, from 2-5 pm at the Fenwick United Church. The event highlighted an exciting new addition to their outreach initiatives—the Reach Niagara Mobile Health Clinic.
Delivering Dignity and Health to Niagara’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers
Seasonal agricultural workers are a vital part of our community, yet they often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. Recognizing this, WMFHT and REACH Niagara, in partnership with the Niagara Migrant Workers Interest Group, have introduced a new initiative to bring essential healthcare services directly to these workers via a mobile health clinic.
This summer, migrant workers in the Fenwick area will have access to medical care every other Sunday through REACH Niagara’s mobile health clinic. This service aims to provide greater privacy and dignity for workers seeking healthcare, addressing a critical need in this underserved population.
“Our mission is to remove barriers to healthcare, and this partnership with WMFHT allows us to bring medical services directly to seasonal agricultural workers who play such an essential role in our community,” said Carolyn Dyer, Executive Director of REACH Niagara. “By providing care in a setting that respects their privacy and dignity, we hope to make a meaningful difference in their lives. We are grateful to all our partners and look forward to a successful rollout of these mobile clinics.”
A Collaborative Effort for Better Health
Cathy Berkhout-Bosse, WMFHT Board Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the new initiative: “As a Board member of the Welland McMaster Family Health Team and a volunteer assisting with our Pelham Annual Health Fair for Migrant Farm Workers, I am pleased we have partnered with REACH Niagara this year. This collaboration allows us to utilize the Telus Health Bus at our Sunday Migrant Farm Workers’ Health Clinics in Fenwick. The REACH Mobile Health Clinic now provides a more private and dignified space for the workers to meet with the clinicians and doctors from the Family Health Team.”
Dr. Sarah Ollier, Physician Lead for the Migrant Worker Health Clinics, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare for migrant workers: “The Welland McMaster Family Health Team is pleased to provide the Migrant Worker Health Clinic in the Niagara South area for the fourth season in a row. This clinic provides medical care to a previously under serviced, but important population in our community.”
The Health Fair Experience
This year’s Health Fair was a vibrant celebration of community and health, attended by approximately 50 local migrant workers. The event featured a range of information tables hosted by various resource providers, including Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW), Positive Living Niagara, Niagara Community Legal Clinic, Health Canada’s Pesticide Compliance Program and Niagara Free Store operated by OPIRG Brock.
Guests enjoyed a complimentary lunch bringing together seasonal farmworkers, community partners, and volunteers in an inclusive atmosphere. Welcome bags, filled with generous contributions from local businesses, were distributed to all attendees, symbolizing the community’s support and appreciation. A raffle with exciting prizes, including five bicycles, added to the festive spirit, highlighting the event’s goal of building bridges between migrant farmworkers and their neighbours.
Special thanks go out to the many local business sponsors and community groups who made the event possible: PharmaChoice-Family Health Pharmacy Pelham, Fenwick Pharmacy, Urge to Purge Inc., Rotary Club of Fonthill, CFUW Welland && District, Century 21 Today Realty Ltd., Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW), Country Boys Mobile Food Services, Country Corner Market, Food Basics (Fonthill), Team Berkhout Bosse – Remax Niagara Realty Ltd and Black Sheep Coffee Roasters.
Introducing the Worker Hub at the Lincoln Pelham Library
In addition to the Health Fair, this year marks the launch of another significant community initiative—the Worker Hub at the Lincoln Pelham Library, Maple Acre Branch in Fenwick. This new program offers free and confidential support to all migrant workers, with no appointment needed. The Worker Hub is a comprehensive resource centre that includes legal services, English classes, community supports, social space, pastoral care, and library services.
For more information on these initiatives and to get involved, you can connect with the Niagara Migrant Workers Interest Group and WMFHT on social media or visit REACH Niagara’s website. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community.
About the Niagara Migrant Workers Interest Group (NMWIG)
Providing Support for Niagara Migrant Workers Through Community Collaboration
NMWIG coordinates the efforts of individuals and interested organizations to provide advocacy and support services to guest workers in the Niagara Region. Help support our cause today.
Connect with Niagara Migrant Workers Interest Group:
About The Welland-McMaster Family Health Team (WMFHT)
The Welland McMaster Family Health Team, established in 2011 and located in Welland, Ontario, includes a diverse group of health care professionals. This team comprises nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, a dietitian, an occupational therapist, a pharmacist, a physiotherapist, and other specialists who collaborate to provide primary health care tailored to the needs of the local communities. Adopting a multi-disciplinary team approach, the Welland McMaster Family Health Team supports patients, families, and caregivers comprehensively. Currently, 11 family physicians from Rose City Medical Associates and Fonthill Medical Associates are affiliated with this Family Health Team.
Connect with WMFHT:
About REACH Niagara
With the mission to work with community partners to provide compassionate care and reduce barriers to healthcare for the homeless and marginalized, REACH – Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare – Niagara provides a number of healthcare services including ongoing primary care, select form assistance, connection to supports, counselling harm reduction supplies, preventative care screening, system navigation, and referrals.
Community members can learn more about REACH Niagara by visiting its website, Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram or LinkedIn.
If you are a community member, you can make an impact in several ways:
- Sign up for the Reach Niagara email list: https://bit.ly/3vnmGm5
- Become an ally by joining our monthly donor program: https://reachniagara.com/about/donate/
- Make a one-time donation to help us provide the care the community needs: https://reachniagara.com/about/donate/
