Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) committed to the expansion of its services to the area’s underserved population. It was established in 1968 as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization and was one of the first FQHC’s for migrant agricultural workers.
The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker community shares most, if not all the health problems borne by the general population, compounded by hazards associated with farm work and the barriers to health care created by their immobility and living environments. The social, cultural, linguistic, and financial characteristics of the farmworker population are additional impediments to the provision of health care in a traditional manner. Additionally, in general rural health care systems are less equipped to absorb the increase in summer workload caused by the influx of the migrants, together with summer residents and tourists. In 2012, NMHSI committed to the expansion of its services to include the general population in the seven counties we serve and received both 330 (e) and 330 (g)grants.
Recognizing the need for a special effort and delivery mechanism to provide health care services unique to migrant and seasonal farmworkers, a group of concerned citizens in the Grand Traverse area established Northwest Michigan Health Services in 1968. Since its inception, NMHSI has grown from its original three county service area to a seven-county service area and increased from one original service site to five clinic sites plus two school sites and an administrative location. Clinic facilities at each of the locations have evolved from rented temporary seasonal facilities to permanent agency buildings, all which operation year-round. Their metrics show that you will have a full panel of patients within the first few months of employment. Currently booked out over 6 months.
