Medical Care
Migrant laborers receive medical care through a nonprofit,
voluntary health organization, Community Health of
South Dade, Inc. (CHI). Funds are provided under a federal
grant, supplemented by Dade County. This organization
works in close relationship with the Department of Family
Medicine of the University of Miami School of Medicine.
All cases suspected of possible typhoid fever were screened
by physicians in one of two clinics operated by CHL Some of
the suspects were hospitalized starting on Tuesday, February
27. The Dade County Department of Public Health
Director communicated with an Assistant Director of James
M. Jackson Memorial Hospital (county hospital) on the
evening of Wednesday, February 28, and learned that 43
beds were available either at Jackson Memorial or Variety
Childrens Hospital. At that time, the 43 beds were considered
adequate for any immediate need. On February 28 also,
a sample of residents at the camp were surveyed to
determine the potential magnitude of the problem. This
survey was carried out by Community Health Inc. personnel
under the direction of the Dade County Department of
Public Health. The preliminary study revealed that 20 to 25
per cent of the residents were involved. On March 2, 1973
(Friday), 35 public health nurses did a door-to-door check
for all sick individuals, every contact, and every person who
had been ill any time during the previous three weeks.
These individuals were referred to physicians working in a
temporary clinic set up by CHI in the auditorium of the
camp. On Friday, it was apparent that additional bed space
was needed. That evening, contact was made with the
Director, Department of Hospitals, who agreed that every
rial
Hospital. On Saturday, March 3, a high level Hospital
Administrator was at the camp, and from then on, no
patient was denied admission.