20 years of providing free health care services to farmworkers

Costa Farms marked a significant milestone in July – 20 years of partnering with Augusta University's College of Nursing to provide free health care services to farmworkers.

On July 11th, the Farm hosted its 20th annual Health Fair, offering screenings, consultations, and health education to approximately 250 farm workers and their families. Since its inception, the fair has delivered critical care to thousands of rural agricultural workers who often face health disparities due to the nature of their work, language barriers, and limited access to consistent care.

What began as a grassroots effort to address these inequities has evolved into a nationally recognized model for community-based healthcare.

© Costa Farms

"There's a growing need for rural health care in all communities," said Pam Cromer, longtime organizer and professor at Augusta College of Nursing. "Too often, providers focus on urban areas where there's access to advanced technology. But this leaves rural communities behind."

The event also provides real-world experience for Augusta University nursing students, many of whom are training specifically for careers in rural health care.

"Our goal is to expose students to the realities of rural medicine and reinforce the importance of preventative, community-based care," Cromer added.

"We are incredibly proud of the impact the Costa Farms Health Fair has made over the past two decades," said Arianna Cabrera de Oña, chief people officer and general counsel. "Our mission has always been to empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to live healthier lives, and this milestone reminds us just how much can be accomplished when communities come together."

The annual Health Fair is made possible through the generous support of Augusta University's College of Nursing, Costa Farms, the Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals across multiple disciplines. Costa Farms continues to lead by example, setting a high bar for what community-focused initiatives can look like in the horticulture industry.