Mr. President. one of the most worthwhile programs enacted by the last Congress was the MigrantHealth Act. which authorized Federal grants to assist State medical services for seasonal farmworkers. Extensive studies by the Subcommittee on Migratory Labor have shown that the general health of migrant families is among the poorest in the Nation. These workers are constantly on the move and have little- opportunity to seek adequate medical attention. As a result. the children lack basic immunization and the adults suffer from many diseases which could be easily cured if detected. I am proud that my own State of California has attacked the crucial problems of the migratory farmworker through the Farm Workers Health Service. which was established 2 years ago. With the active cooperation of growers. county medical societies and community organizations. the Farm Workers Health Service has done outstanding work in assisting local communities in their efforts to improve the health of the migrant family. However. their efforts have been hampered by a lack of funds and personnel. Now they have submitted an application for $490.000 to the Department of Health. Education. and Welfare. this money would provide more family clinics. improved sanitation conditions and increase public health nursing services. Because of our 2 years of experience with migrant health projects. the California Department of Health was able to submit promptly a plan to expand its existing programs. California has responded to the opportunities offered by this act. The Department of Health. Education. and Welfare. by acting expeditiously on Californias application can join in this opportunity and thereby fulfill a long overdue obligation to this neglected group of citizens. Now that Congress has expressed its intention to do something about. these problems. prompt and vigorous action by the Department of Health. Education. and Welfare will bring much needed aid to migrants this year. Fiom this project. those interested in a better life for migrant farmworkers throughout our land Will gain the necessal experience on which to base their own health care programs in this important area.
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MigrantHealth migrants migrant