Kay Moyer (center) says she believes the health and safety information provided in a free program geared toward farm families helps them prepare for an emergency.
Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences nursing students pitch in to guide children through a health check.
Family nurse practitioner Taunia Ceresini and registered nurse Kay Moyer are health missionaries.
Their mission field: county farming areas.
Through their free two-hour Healthy Child, Safe Child Program, they're reaching out to farm families —most of whom are Amish or Mennonite — from Bird-in-Hand to White Horse.
Ceresini, who provides health care to many Amish and Mennonite families through the Intercourse-based Grace Family Health Care, and Moyer, a Lancaster County Penn State Cooperative Extension educator, teamed up to develop the program, which continues through December at various fire companies and the Georgetown office of Birth Care.
A collaboration of Grace, the extension office and the Lancaster College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the program is geared toward families who are uninsured, Moyer says.
Families seem to appreciate the informal atmosphere, she says.
"The children can sit on their moms' laps, and so it's nice for them, a little less intimidating than a doctor's office."
The program includes CPR demonstrations, health and home-safety tips, an assortment of literature — both parent- and child-friendly — and healthy-child checks for newborns through school-aged children.
Participants also receive a first-aid kit.
Ceresini, a part-time instructor at the nursing college, helps coordinate participation of the students, who are able to get hands-on experience with families in the Plain culture, she says.
Since many farm families live in somewhat remote areas, it may be difficult for emergency medical responders to reach them quickly, Moyer says.
"These families want to know about prevention," Ceresini says. "They want to know how to plan ahead."
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When Moyer and Ceresini met and compared notes, the concept for the Healthy Child, Safe Child Program was born. A pilot program started in the spring.
Moyer was already providing CPR training, safety programs in schools and an in-home program on farm and home safety, called "Sisters Day," for Amish and Mennonite women.
In her presentations, she has heard stories about farm accidents and mishaps, she says.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, she will also participate in the Southern Lancaster County Farm Safety Day, at Robert Fulton Fire Co., Peach Bottom.
As a nurse practitioner, Ceresini works daily with farm families, also providing house calls.
The Healthy Child, Safe Child Program is geared toward both parents and children who live on or visit farms.
During the program, Moyer covers everything from fire safety to over-the-counter medications for children.
Ceresini and nursing students check the participating child's height and weight, and provide a basic health check.
Moyer and Ceresini generally get positive feedback about the program.
"Sometimes families come in and say they weren't sure exactly what the program was going to be about, but they found it well worth their while," Moyer says.
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A 3-year-old Amish girl is the center of attention at a recent program in Refton.
She is one of many children who receive well-child checkups from Ceresini and nursing students, as part of the Healthy Child, Safe Child initiative.
With help from her older sister, the little girl takes off her shoes to be weighed and measured by nursing students.
She looks at them, wide-eyed, as they bring out a stethoscope to listen to her heart.
At first, she is a little hesitant to open her mouth when students ask to check her teeth and throat, but with coaxing from her older sister and Ceresini, the little girl finally opens wide.
"She's probably wondering about all this attention," Ceresini says.
In their contact with the families, Moyer and Ceresini spread the word about their program, which has varied in attendance.
"Right now, we're trying to let people know we're out there," Moyer says.
"The program gives free information and hands-on experience," she says, "so (families) can make ready decisions and be well-prepared to do what they need to do."
HEALTHY CHILD, SAFE CHILD