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Healthcare Beyond Borders: Immigrant Health Champions Equity in the ED

By Office of the President | Nov 18, 2024

a photo of doctor and patient

On October 10, the Department of Emergency Medicine hosted a virtual symposium on “Immigrant Health: Caring for Our Global Domestic Patients in the Emergency Department.” This event brought together nearly 80 participants—including physicians, community organizers, and other healthcare providersunited by a shared commitment to the principle that healthcare is a fundamental human right and the belief that regardless of immigration status or financial means, every person has the right to accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare.

The symposium highlighted a range of clinical topics related to immigrant health, particularly around the unique challenges immigrant patients face in the emergency department (ED). With recent migration to the U.S. at an all-time high, EDs are often the first and sometimes only point of contact for immigrants seeking healthcare. This reality underscores the importance of culturally informed, inclusive practices to ensure that emergency care meets the distinct needs of immigrant patients.

The discussion emphasized immigration status as a critical social determinant of health. According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), social determinants such as housing, employment, food insecurity, and access to healthcare significantly influence health outcomes. Immigrants—who often experience barriers to these essential resources—are especially vulnerable.

Studies show that legal restrictions, lack of insurance, and financial insecurity impede access to necessary medical care. By recognizing these challenges, emergency healthcare providers can better advocate for patients and support initiatives that improve long-term outcomes.

One critical area of focus was advocating for immigrant health. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) backs the idea that ED visits can be more than just emergency care—they also connect patients with ongoing healthcare, social services, and community support needs. By addressing the immediate health issues and the broader social challenges, repeated ED visits decrease, and overall health improves. Working with community organizations helps healthcare providers connect immigrant patients with housing support, legal help, and job assistance, easing some of the toughest challenges this community faces.

The symposium highlighted the harsh realities of labor and sex trafficking, which often impact immigrant communities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that foreign-born individuals, especially those without legal status, are at higher risk. Providers were trained to recognize signs of trafficking and prioritize patient safety and confidentiality.

global map

Emergency physicians were also reminded to consider the historical exclusion of undocumented immigrants from healthcare due to policies like the Public Charge rule and limited insurance options. The symposium stressed the importance of addressing this legacy to build a more inclusive healthcare system.

Speakers included representatives from community-based organizations and those working on policy initiatives with the White House to address immigrant health needs. Their insights highlighted that healthcare providers must look beyond the immediate medical needs of immigrant patients and consider the bigger picture. These social factors impact their health and well-being, as a reminder that every patient in the emergency department is part of a family and community.

The Department of Emergency Medicine reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality care that respects and responds to the diverse needs of immigrant patients. As healthcare providers, we are committed to our services addressing medical needs and health-related social needs, advocating for a healthcare system where everyone, regardless of background, receives compassionate, equitable, and high-quality care.

photo of Daniel Winetsky, MD, MS

Daniel Winetsky, MD, MS

Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine Clinical Investigator at the STAR Program, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

photo of Diane Calello, MD, FACMT

Diane Calello, MD, FACMT

Executive and Medical Director of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System Professor of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

photo of Faven Araya, DrPH(c), MPH

Faven Araya, DrPH(c), MPH

Director of Community Engagement and Health Equity Research, Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health

photo of Camila Figueroa-Restrepo, Psy.M.

Camila Figueroa-Restrepo, Psy.M.

Lead Senior Program Coordinator, Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health

photo of Sabrina Muhanna, MD(c)

Sabrina Muhanna, MD(c)

Co-Director of Physicians for Human Rights Asylum Clinic MS4, SUNY Downstate College of Medicine

photo of Hawthorne E. Smith, PhD

Hawthorne E. Smith, PhD

Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Bellevue Program for Survivors of Torture

photo of Kimberly S.G. Chang, MD, MPH

Kimberly S.G. Chang, MD, MPH

Family Physician and Director of Human Trafficking and Healthcare Policy at Asian Health Services

photo of Daniel Ehlke, PhD

Daniel Ehlke, PhD

Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management, SUNY Downstate School of Public Health