‘They Are Coming With Little to Nothing.’ How New York City Doctors Are Treating Migrant Children

As migrant children arrive at New York City hospitals without their parents or medical records, area doctors say they are doing whatever they can to ease their transition into the United States. “We try to give them more gifts and teddy bears because we know that they are coming with little to nothing upon entrance to the country,” says Dr. Daran Kaufman, director of pediatric emergency services at North Central Bronx Hospital. “You do see that some of these kids — not all of them, but some — are a little bit more withdrawn and sad, so showing that extra bit of kindness could make some difference.” At least 12 migrant children who were separated from their parents and placed into temporary foster care have been treated at New York City hospitals, NYC Health + Hospitals CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz said Thursday. (Since clinicians typically do not ask about patients’ immigration status, the actual number is likely higher.) Eight have been treated at North Central Bronx, while four received care at Manhattan’s Bellevue Hospital. Kaufman says most cases have involved medical issues such as asthma, strep throat and constipation, though one child did show signs of depression and suicidal ideation. “It’s been quite trying to see these children coming into the emergency room without their parents and seeing how sad and withdrawn they are given what’s happened,” Kaufman says. Multiple medical groups have spoken out aga...
Source: TIME: Health - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized healthytime Immigration onetime Source Type: news