Comments on: Immigrant Children: A Public Health Discussion

By: C Peterson MD

C Peterson MD — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 18:18:31 +0000

Very well-balanced discussion of the medical issues at hand in this situation. This is the first I’ve seen of a pediatrician’s perspective on the matter. Thanks for letting us see this issue from a practical perspective.

By: DA Rydland MD FACOG

DA Rydland MD FACOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 14:49:18 +0000

This puts a whole different face on the problem of dealing with the children that are coming to America. Politicians are arguing about who is responsible – and not sending any money. You, who are “in the trenches” just know that there are a bunch of kids who need protection. Those who are coming and those who are already here.
Great post!

By: Ivonne Sahagun-Carreon MD

Ivonne Sahagun-Carreon MD — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 13:16:25 +0000

I guess there is no good answer. It’s hard not to incorporate politics here. But the fact remains that many children are still being housed in crowded conditions and these infectious diseases will likely be passed on. As physicians our duty is twofold– treat whomever is in our jurisdiction regardless of their disposition, but also to protect those who are ALREADY in our jurisdiction. Throw a bunch of under-immunized kids with the population and we’ll see an uptick in preventable diseases.

By: Forrest

Forrest — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 22:51:00 +0000

Very good article, Ivonne.

Actually, the medical aspects of this are quite straightforward compared with the political and social issues.
You already know how to take care of these children – you do that everyday.
Getting some funds for the vaccines and treatment of lice and worms will not be too hard. Mental health and quality education – not going to happen.

Disposition is the kicker – integrate them into the welfare and foster care system, send them back to their country of origin, or establish refugee camps along our borders?

I bet you can guess how that conversation will play out.

By: Diane Eisman

Diane Eisman — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 20:39:43 +0000

Thank you so much for this well written discussion. Most of us are not aware of all that is happening and all the difficulties