We need to think about toll on these kids
Once again, many of us are asking ourselves, how does this happen in the United States of America? This is not a political or policy issue, this is a human issue. There is right and there is wrong. The way children are being treated at our border is simply wrong. America is, and should always be, better than this.
Months ago, like many Americans, I watched in disbelief as we learned that we were separating children from their parents at our southern border according to a government policy. Across the political, demographic and geographic spectrum, the majority of Americans made it clear that this approach to addressing illegal immigrants and migrants was unacceptable and inconsistent with our nation’s values.
We were told the process had ceased and most of us turned our attention elsewhere. Then in the last few weeks, we began to see the media reports regarding the horrible conditions of 300 children being held at a detention facility in Clint, Texas. Older children were desperately trying to care for tiny babies who were left without any support. All of these children – including infants, toddlers and preschoolers – were found to be dirty, sleeping on concrete floors, and many were hungry, cold and not receiving needed medical care.
Once again, many of us are asking ourselves, how does this happen in the United States of America? This is not a political or policy issue, this is a human issue. There is right and there is wrong. The way children are being treated at our border is simply wrong. America is, and should always be, better than this.
In a recent interview, Dr. Julie Linton, co-chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Immigrant Health Special Interest Group, spoke about both the short- and long-term health impact on children resulting from detention as well as the importance of providing pediatric health services to the children in our custody.
As the CEO of a children’s hospital, every day I witness how important it is for children to receive care from doctors who are specially trained to take care of their needs. Children are not little adults. Their illnesses, symptoms and remedies are often different from those of adults.
We can also not forget the toll the emotional upheaval will have. Research clearly shows the impact that trauma has on our kids’ mental and behavioral health. We can only imagine the impact this separation and inhumane care will have on the long-term mental health of these children.
My conscience will not allow me to stand by and watch as children in my country, regardless of how they got here, are treated with so little regard. They are our children now, and we must be their voice.
I ask you to speak out with me. This must stop immediately. Contact your political leaders and tell them to put the health and well-being of children – all children – first. Urge them to send doctors trained in pediatrics to the borders to care for these children who are in desperate need.
Tell them your expectations that permanent and lasting improvements will be made at our borders to ensure the safety, health and security of all children on American soil, no matter how they got here.