Baltimore — In Baltimore, immigrants take on many labor-intensive jobs to keep their communities prosperous, which affects their health.
For many migrant workers, without health insurance, running to a doctor or emergency room is not an option. But local centers are helping thousands of families in need.
Migrant workers keep Baltimore prosperous by undertaking tasks ranging from providing food to building homes and roads. However, their health is in danger.
Dr. Nalini Negi, an associate professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work, gave six Latino immigrant men living in Baltimore a camera to document their lives for a month.
“One man took a picture of a ladder on the roof and talked about how he was thatching in the hot sun and was starting to sweat and really go groggy.”
She wanted to know the work and health challenges they face every day. The men were then interviewed and selected 40 photographs that best represented their truth.
“Although he almost passed out, he asked his boss to take a break, but he said no,” Negi said.
The photo exhibition hangs on the walls of UMB’s Community Engagement Center with the words of the men in the hope of making their health needs more visible.
But it’s not just men.
“We have parents with 2, 3, 4 kids who need immunizations, dental care, and health checks to get them into school, so the challenge is even greater,” says the customer service program. manager Myra Loera said. Esperanza Centera resource center for immigrants.
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal health insurance, and most employers do not offer benefits to migrant workers.
That’s why Esperanza Center, a Catholic charity, is opening its doors knowing that customers don’t have thousands of dollars in their hands.
“You can’t go to, say, emergency care or a regular clinic without paying a lot of money,” said Karen Shu, a volunteer nurse at the center.
“It’s heartbreaking to be honest,” Loella said. Listen well.
The center serves approximately 3,500 immigrants annually with their physical, dental and even spiritual needs.
“They are our neighbors,” Negi said. “These are the people you sit next to on the bus. They are the people you work with. They are part of our community and we should take care of them.”
“Their health is as important as our health is.”
