In 2023, a surge of migrants flocked to the U.S. southern border, many of them in poor health and struggling to access necessary medical care. The Migrant Clinicians Network based in Austin stepped up to provide crucial medical assistance to those in need.
Kim Nolte, CEO of the organization, shared that they assisted over 1,700 migrants last year with healthcare access. Most of these were pregnant women who needed prenatal care to reduce complications during labor. Nolte stressed the importance of proper medical attention and emphasized the need for it in ensuring healthy pregnancies and births.
Newly arrived migrants often face challenges when trying to navigate the healthcare system due to language barriers, lack of knowledge about it and fear of jeopardizing their immigration status. Additionally, many migrants live far from federally funded health centers which offer fully subsidized care. Financial constraints further add to their difficulties as they struggle to access necessary medical services.
The Migrant Clinicians Network under Nolte’s leadership plays a vital role in advocating for migrants’ healthcare needs. They offer triage services at immigration shelters, help schedule medical appointments and continue to support asylum seekers throughout their immigration journey. The organization bridges the gap between migrants and much-needed medical care by providing crucial resources that help them overcome various barriers they face when trying to access necessary care.