Moffitt Hosts Migrant and Farmworker Health and Wellness Expo

Moffitt Cancer Center hosted a free Migrant and Farmworker Health and Wellness Expo on May 18 in Wimauma, Florida. Thanks to the support from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, several local health care organizations came together at Beth-El Farmworker Ministries, Inc. to help educate and engage the community about the importance of wellness screenings and early detection. Attendees received free cancer screenings and other services at the event.

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Volunteers at the Migrant and Farmworkers Expo provide screenings and education for the community.

Our agricultural workers are the most vulnerable population in our community,” said Viviana Suarez, community outreach worker for the Office of Community Outreach Engagement and Equity. “I consider them to be essential workers. Most of them were visiting the doctor for the first time in their lives at this event.”

Volunteers from Moffitt’s Estamos Unidos Team Member Engagement Network, alongside other community groups, provided cancer prevention education and health screenings in Spanish so attendees could receive medical attention in their native language.

“Lack of insurance, not knowing the language, inadequate transportation, fear of changing immigration laws and deportation, strenuous work schedules, lack of education and understanding existing resources are barriers that prevent our farmworkers from getting medical help,” Suarez said.

By the Numbers

• Moffitt’s Mole Patrol screened 102 attendees for skin cancer, leading to 19 suspicious findings.
• Moffitt’s Head and Neck team provided 99 head, neck and oral cancer screenings, detecting seven suspicious findings.
• Suncoast Community Health Center provided 26 attendees with biometric screenings.
• 3D Mobile Mammography facilitated 38 mammograms on site.
• CAN Community Health provided 41 attendees with education around STIs, HIV and hepatitis prevention. Nine at-home HIV tests were distributed, and six attendees were tested on-site for HIV and hepatitis C.
• The USF Mo-Bull Health Unit provided 19 attendees with comprehensive primary care visits. Additionally seven pap tests were administered.

“There is much more we still must do,” Suarez said. “Through these events, we make a difference. Early detection screenings save lives. It’s important for the community to know about the services that Moffitt Cancer Center offers, and link participants to additional resources to empower them to take charge of their health and well-being.”