AU School of Public Health Collaborates with McCorkle Nurseries Inc. for 5th Annual Rural Health Fair

DEARING, Ga. ()- Augusta University’s School of Public Health and McCorkle Nurseries, Inc. hosted their 5th annual AU-MNI Rural Health Fair Friday morning.

It provides vital healthcare services to the workers who need it the most. 

Each year, an estimated 200 rural nursery workers get services and education on healthcare.

It’s a resource McCorkle Nurseries, Inc. Operations Manager Chris McCorkle says they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. 

“A number of our employees are guest workers, many of whom come from Mexico, and they’re with us for several months out of the year. Many of them just don’t have access to basic healthcare—so this is just a great opportunity for us to provide those services to them,” said McCorkle.

Migrant workers were able to take part in a blood pressure clinic, a diabetes risk assessment, foot exams, and carotid artery checks.

Translators also play a vital role in understanding their needs. 

“If you cannot facilitate communication, they won’t be able to,” said Wellstar Translation Services Manager, Vivian Rice. “We want to make sure that they not only understand and are fully informed about what is being done to them, but we also need to make sure that they follow up. We want to give them a start to understand how important it is for them to care for their health, and be able to follow up with a primary care physician after that.”

While Augusta is one of the best healthcare hubs in the Southeast, it can be a long drive for workers coming from rural counties.

That’s why program leaders say bringing those resources to them can make a big difference. 

“There aren’t rural health clinics or rural health hospitals. The issue is that some of the care we offer once a year (even minimal screening) is the only screening they’re getting on a yearly basis,” said Dr. Jessica Stewart. “They can get that here and travel far for a follow up—and that’s what we’re trying to cut off so that the people are at least getting seen that need to be seen. When we’re in the rural community doing outreach, it is one community—and that’s all of us together, working together.”

As the temperatures are starting to rise, AU says prioritizing health is not just for the nursery workers.

With summer underway, they’re encouraging you to stay hydrated and get access to air conditioning.

President Trump’s “Big and Beautiful Bill” could cut around $600 Billion in Medicaid, which could impact rural healthcare.

It has passed through the house, and now the senate is discussing it.

We asked McCorkle Nurseries, Inc. if they’ve been impacted, and they say they haven’t for the moment.