1938

Creation of first of the quasi-independent migrant health plans, the Agricultural Workers Health and Medical Association, in Cal. and Arizona (Grey, 83): “the overarching organization and philosophy of the migrant health programs were consistent from region to region: comprehensive acute medical care, government subsidization of costs, emphasis on prevention and health education, and accommodation of the local medical community.” Coverage for health conditions was generously defined. Health services provided to agricultural workers were comprehensive; they included medical, surgical, hospital, and dental care; prescription drugs; diets; and nursing. . . . Preventive services included “immunizations, prenatal and postnatal care, health education, and even sanitation services” (85). “In the migrant health programs, Farm Security Administration nurses were given unusual latitude in their clinical roles,” including writing of prescriptions and dispensing of drugs (94). FSA purchased two hospitals in Arizona (1941) and FL (1942). FSA transferred to War Food Administration in 1943 (132, 135). Number of farm labor camps, which included foreign farm workers from Mexico, etc., grew during the war, and by 1945, farm labor medical programs operated to some degree in virtually every state and Puerto Rico (137). During war, AMA growing concerns about FSA health programs at loggerheads with widespread approval at state and county levels (139-43).