Students care for South Georgia farmworkers in annual pro bono program

Students and faculty from Brenau University's Ivester College of Health Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy program and faculty from the Carole Ann Daniel College of Education took a service trip to South Georgia in June 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 Farmworker Family Health Program. The program is a partnership between several colleges and universities, and provides students with an opportunity to do pro-bono work with patients. This year, 18 DPT students participated alongside supervising faculty sponsor Bob Cantu, PT, Ed.D., MBA, and supervising faculty members Karen Burgbacher, DPT, Laura Cantu, Ed.D, and Haley McDonald, DPT. One PT alum also attended, Kristina Poole, DPT.

"Throughout the week in the mornings, the DPT students screened 84 children for fine and gross motor coordination development. These children ranged in age from preschool to middle school-aged," Bob Cantu said. Laura Cantu, Ed.D., screened 15 children for educational and psychoeducational needs, including literacy skills. She then made follow-up recommendations with the local school districts.

In the evenings, the DPT students worked with more than 71 adult farmworkers to address musculoskeletal conditions.

"Treatment included manual therapy, exercise prescription, and the prescribing and application of braces and cold/hot packs," Bob Cantu said. "Specifically, students evaluated and treated impairments of the low back, knee, shoulder, foot/ankle, wrist/hand and other associated injuries."

PT students raised more than $9,000 to cover expenses during the week. Donors included individuals, local businesses and corporations. Benchmark Physical Therapy's philanthropic Pillars With Purpose donated $2,000 to the group as a corporate supporter.

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