Historical Snapshot of Chicago’s New Arrival Mission: Adapting the Health Care Delivery Model for Venezuelan Migrants

Abstract

Introduction:

The purpose of this article is to describe Chicago’s public health response to the Venezuelan migrants during its New Arrival Mission, review key challenges that plagued The Mission, and make recommendations for transcultural providers.

Methods:

In this historical review, interviews with key informants are conducted. Additional information is curated from press releases, gray literature, and media outlets.

Results:

Starting in 2022, Chicago initiated the New Arrival Mission, providing housing, education, and health care including mental health services to approximately 50,000 migrants until 2025. This article reviews public health crises, including infectious disease outbreaks in large, congregate shelters and health care access of this population that challenged the existing health care delivery model.

Discussion:

Chicago successfully leveraged preexisting models and forged collaborations between diverse stakeholders helping to mitigate poor public health outcomes for both migrants and Chicagoans. Transcultural providers are advised to foster partnerships across organizations to address challenges during a migration crisis.

Keywords

Venezuelan migrants Chicago New Arrival Mission public health social determinants of health

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