Support at the Border: Red Cross Aid for Deported Individuals
Compassionate Care Across Borders
In an impactful initiative, the International Red Cross in Nogales, Sonora is extending vital healthcare and human services to those deported from the United States, ensuring dignity and support during challenging times.
International Red Cross Initiatives in Nogales, Sonora
In a compassionate response to the ongoing crisis, the International Red Cross has significantly ramped up its efforts in Nogales, Sonora, providing essential healthcare and human services to those deported from the United States.
Healthcare Services Offered to Deportees
The healthcare services provided by the Red Cross in Nogales to recent deportees include emergency medical care, basic health screenings, and the provision of basic health hygiene needs.
Sonora newspaper El Imparcial reports that the Red Cross of Nogales serves between 120 to 150 people deported from the United States daily, in the module located at the Dennis DeConcini checkpoint, according to Red Cross Emergency Coordinator Guadalupe González Bucio.
Due to this attention to the medical needs of those deported from the United States, the international relief organization has been able to detect cases of people who have some serious illness that they themselves did not know about, including blood glucose problems.
González Bucio said that at least 70% of the care corresponds to pre-hospital assistance and the rest are supported to reestablish communication with their families or other assistance, in addition to providing them with items for their personal hygiene and basic health needs.
The Red Cross Emergency Coordinator said that among these pre-hospital care there has been a gradual increase in dehydration, heat stroke, muscle pain problems and foot injuries (due to blisters, thorns or dislocations) due to having to walk long distances on rough terrain and increased temperatures.
She added that the Red Cross offers some type of care for all deportees, including pain medications or analgesics; and to transfer them to a hospital when they detect more serious problems. “The organization also provides humanitarian follow-up,” she said.
Because of this, a doctor recently joined the institution to better serve this type of migrant population in case they need more specialized care,” she added.
Likewise, she added, although on a smaller scale many migrants who are waiting for asylum are assisted daily, through the CBP One application, and many others who are passing through and suffer a mishap as they try to cross through the hills and open fields west of Nogales.