Mexican Consulates Provide Healthcare Information

Mexican consulates in the U.S. are now trying to help Mexican immigrants with basic health information through a new program called Ventanillas de Salud, or Health Windows.  The program also refers Mexicans to U.S. hospitals, health centers and government programs where they can get care without fear of being turned over to immigration authorities.

The Ventanillas program was launched in 2003 in Los Angeles and San Diego as an experimental collaboration between the Mexican government and the Health Initiative of the Americas , a University of California program.  Currently, the program operates in 11 U.S. cities, with a goal of expanding the program to all 47 Mexican consulates in the U.S.

Program critics say that illegal immigrants are already weakening the public healthcare system and this program allows them to receive even more benefits.  However, recent research indicates that many illegal immigrants don't regularly use the public healthcare system.  A Rand Corporation study published in 2006 found that adult immigrants, particularly undocumented immigrants, use fewer healthcare resources per person than those born in the U.S.  
According to the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles , the Ventanillas program saves Los Angeles county money by encouraging immigrants to seek preventive care instead of waiting until they need expensive emergency care. Since the program began, over 286,000 Mexicans in Los Angeles have received health care information and referrals, and over 12,000 received health care services they learned about through Ventanillas.

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