Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Assistance for Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts (CARE) - The North Carolina Farmworker Program (NCFHP), within the Office of Rural Health, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), will use Capital Assistance for Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts (CARE) HRSA funds for one project to purchase equipment for our eight contracted service delivery sites. The equipment will enhance and expand our capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from future emergencies. These efforts will support continuity of access to high-quality primary care for agricultural workers, ensuring their safety and well-being during emergency situations. This project aims to enhance emergency preparedness and continuity of care for both our service delivery sites and farmworkers they serve. Emergency equipment will be purchased to ensure outreach vehicles and mobile clinics are prepared to quickly respond to emergency situations and are equipped with various essential items, including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) equipment that comes with training with the purchase of the devices. Office equipment will facilitate efficient storage and accommodate additional emergency personnel. The implementation of secure HIPAA-compliant communication software guarantees uninterrupted care for farmworker patients with urgent follow-up and medication refill needs. In addition, migrant farmworkers living in grower-provided housing will be supplied with emergency equipment kits, including portable generators, radios, chargers, and other essential items, to support their access to healthcare during emergency events. This comprehensive approach addresses the specific needs of both healthcare providers and farmworkers, fostering resilience and ensuring continuous healthcare services in times of crisis. The proposed equipment, all with a useful life of at least one year, are shown in the equipment list and will be used to support services at each of our eight sites: AppHealthCare, Black River Health Services, Good Samaritan Clinic, North Carolina Farmworkers’ Project, Piedmont Health Services, Surry Medical Ministries, Rural Health Group, and Vecinos, Inc. This equipment will result in increased safety and access to care during emergency situations. The total project cost is $490,000.00 and will be funded in full with the Capital Assistance for Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts (CARE) HRSA funds.
