Health Services
The Region 1 Migrant Education Program assists in the coordination of health care services for migrant students and provides direct services where needed because of its strong belief that healthy students are most likely to reach their fullest educational potential. Healthy students are better learners. MEP regulations refer to the “academically related” health needs of students.
The health of migrant children reflects the nature of a mobile lifestyle. Most medical problems are related to deficiencies in diet, dental hygiene, and personal hygiene. The factors which place migrant children at risk in terms of health include low income, isolation, lack of access to health services, language and cultural barriers, eligibility requirements, and discrimination.
Quality health care requires the collaboration and interaction of many agencies, each with specific areas of responsibility. Some of the more important partners and agencies include school districts, regional migrant offices, primary health providers, and county health departments. In order to provide quality health care, it is of first and foremost importance that we know what the health needs of our students are. That requires us to gather data in regards to what specific needs exist. Once those needs are identified, then prioritizing students in terms of needs is an important concept. The availability of services is always less than the demand. Therefore, we must ensure that those most in need are prioritized for support services.
