A Call to Action to Address the Health Needs and Support Systems to Care for Central American Migrant Families

The ongoing immigration crisis at the U.S. southern border represents a challenge to society and institutions. The socio-political discussion of immigration has reached and is likely to stay in the position of a top news category. It is hard to ignore the health care implications and negative health outcomes aff ecting Central American migrant families through their long journey to the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, radical changes in refugee/asylum policies are affecting how new migrants are being processed and connected to resources, which is affecting their care while detained. As individuals with familial ties to Central America, we share our knowledge of and perspective on contextual factors affecting migrant health. As health care professionals and scholars, we aim to trigger conversation and present a "call to action" to all stakeholders to address the health care needs of vulnerable Central American migrant families, who deserve high-quality and humanitarian care.