Students and faculty in Brenau University’s Ivester College of Health Science and faculty from the Carole Ann Daniel College of Education took a service trip to South Georgia from June 15-20 to aid migrant farmworkers and their families with basic care needs and health screenings.
A group from Brenau has made the trip to Moultrie, Georgia, every year since 2018 as part of the Moultrie Farmworker FamilyHealth Program. The program is a partnership between several colleges and universities, and provides students an opportunity to do pro-bono work with patients. This year, 18 DPT students and four Psy.D. students participated alongside faculty sponsor Bob Cantu, PT, Ed.D., MBA, and faculty members Karen Burgbacher, DPT, Laura Cantu, Ed.D, Lucinda Grapenthin, Ph.D., Jim Lewis, Ph.D., and Heather McDonald, DPT. One PT alum also attended.
Physical therapy students performed basic services under supervision.
“In the mornings, Brenau DPT students screened a total of 262 children for gross and fine motor delays, and made recommendations to their respective elementary schools to receive services when they go back in the fall,” Cantu said. “In the evenings, the DPT students evaluated and treated 61 workers on site for a variety of conditions farm workers develop while picking crops on a daily basis.”
Students and faculty from the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling and faculty from the Daniel College also attended. Psychology and Education students and faculty provided basic psychological and educational screenings. Psychology students also spoke with the farmworkers and their families regarding mental wellness and stress management during the evening camps.
PT students raised more than $5,000 this year to cover expenses during the week. More than 70 donors, including individuals, local businesses and corporations supported their endeavors. Benchmark Physical Therapy’s philanthropic Pillars With Purpose and Athletico Physical Therapy’s Athletico Cares Foundation were also corporate physical therapy supporters.
