The FCM Mobile Health Program, in collaboration with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health have vaccinated more than 2,400 people who reside in Mexico and do not have authorization to enter the United States. These vaccine events held at the Nogales and Douglas Ports of Entry, have targeted first responders and maquiladora (factory) workers in Mexico. The discrepancy in vaccine access in nation-states is demonstrated by first responders (ambulance workers, firefighters, and police workers) in Mexico struggling to access the vaccine.
"Customs and Border Protection allowed us to work in a ‘neutral zone’ that allowed recipients of the vaccine to cross the physical structure of the border wall, but not enter into the United States," said Alicia Dinsmore, coordinator for the Mobile Health Program. "We had anywhere from 8-15 vaccinators per event, including UArizona medical students, nursing students, retired medical professionals, and new nursing grads. Special thanks to our preceptors Elizabeth Knight and and Lisa Kiser from the College of Nursing."
The Mobile Health Program has previously provided vaccines to Mexican farmworkers and truck drivers who received authorization to cross the border for their jobs. These port-of-entry events are a unique collaborative opportunity to provide vaccines to those who do not have authorization to cross the border. If you would like to get involved as a preceptor or vaccinator for future events, please email Alicia Dinsmore or Viridiana Johnson.