Many families in Southern California are skipping healthcare visits due to fears of immigration enforcement. Since the start of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, clinics have reported a significant drop in patient attendance. This has raised alarms among healthcare providers who are concerned about the health implications for vulnerable populations.
In areas like Lynwood, once-bustling parks and businesses are now quiet. Undocumented residents are staying home, worried about potential arrests. As rumors swirl about ICE activity near clinics and hospitals, many are choosing to miss essential appointments, including routine check-ups for children and chronic care management visits.
Local health centers, which provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, are adapting to this new reality. They are setting up virtual appointments and offering home visits to help those who are afraid to go out. Jim Mangia, president of St. John’s Community Health, noted that the no-show rate at their clinics has jumped from about 9% to over 30% since the raids began. To address this, they launched a program called Healthcare Without Fear, aiming to deliver care to those reluctant to leave their homes.
Patients have expressed that the fear of being targeted by immigration authorities is influencing their decisions about healthcare. A recent report highlighted that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shared Medicaid enrollee data with the Department of Homeland Security, which has added to the anxiety among patients about seeking medical help.
Louise McCarthy, president of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, mentioned that while some clinics are seeing a rise in missed appointments, others report no change. It’s unclear how many patients are opting for telehealth services instead of in-person visits.
Healthcare professionals warn that neglecting routine care can lead to serious health issues down the line. For example, a patient with high blood pressure who skips monitoring may end up in the emergency room with a heart attack later. Dr. Bukola Olusanya from St. John’s noted that patients are already showing signs of deteriorating health due to missed appointments.
To combat this, Los Angeles County is expanding in-home care options, including medication delivery and nurse advice lines. They urge anyone needing care to seek it without delay, emphasizing that not all health issues can be handled remotely.
The ongoing situation poses a significant challenge not just for individuals but for community health overall. Providers are worried that the longer people avoid necessary care, the more strain it will place on emergency services and public health resources.