A Safe Haven in Cyprus

Sarah Mikhail Start Date: Aug 8, 2024 - End Date: Feb 7, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Missionary Service
  • Volunteer Trip

My Travel Story

by: Sarah Mikhail Start Date: Aug 8, 2024 - End Date: Feb 7, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Missionary Service
  • Volunteer Trip
Although residing in America, immigrants in the United States are not met with access to the same health services, specifically mental health services, as nonimmigrants. Understanding immigration as a social determinant is vital as it describes the unique mental challenges individuals endure. This complex identity calls for an elaborative solution where factors such as “nationality, race/ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, immigration status, and laws and policies'' are taken into consideration as they affect health outcomes. Noteworthy progress has been made where these formulating factors are now implemented into today’s mental health interventions, however, immigrants are still met with injustice. What does this mean for future generations to come?

Migrant youth who experience trauma who also struggle with the physiological struggles of being an immigrant are more at risk for poor health outcomes. In regard to young individuals who endure adverse childhood experiences, further harm is done through unique immigrant experiences that influence their developmental stage. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur to children before they turn 18 years old.

Welcoming migrants isn’t enough. As a community, we must foster every group, immigrant and nonimmigrant, to where their future is bright and promising. As individuals, we must understand the unique struggles of immigrant children and take into consideration the disproportionate impact ACE-related trauma has on them. We must implement active resources including culturally appropriate awareness, interventions, and partnerships. This will not only assist underserved immigrant communities, but also bridge the gap to where immigrants and nonimmigrants have equitable accessibility to health services, finally bringing justice.