Bridging Barriers: How Health Clinics Support Immigrants with House Calls for Homebound Patients

Across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, a community health center is stepping up to help immigrant patients who feel too scared to leave their homes for medical care. St. John’s Community Health launched a program this March to provide home visits after discovering many people were canceling appointments out of fear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

St. John’s is a major nonprofit health provider in Los Angeles, focused on low-income residents. They estimate around 25,000 of their patients are undocumented, with many suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. These patients often miss necessary check-ups and tests, impacting their health.

A recent survey found that hundreds of patients skipped appointments because they were terrified of being detained by ICE. The urgency of this issue escalated when the current administration shifted its approach to immigration enforcement, with tactics that have heightened fear among immigrant communities. For instance, there are reports of ICE agents making arrests in public places like Home Depot and even at court hearings.

In January, the Trump administration repealed protections for sensitive locations, which once shielded hospitals and schools from immigration-related action. This put many patients, even those legally in the U.S., on edge. Jim Mangia, the head of St. John’s, emphasized that healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of immigration status. “Healthcare is a human right,” he stated.

Nurse practitioner Bukola Olusanya shared a poignant example of a woman who hadn’t left her home in three months. This isolation can worsen chronic health issues, she pointed out, and the fear of deportation makes it worse. Even some legal immigrants express concern amid stories of unjust deportations and accusations of crimes.

Olusanya believes that waiting for patients to return on their own is too risky. “Delay can lead to lifelong complications,” she noted. With health conditions that can spiral quickly, preventive care is crucial.

On a recent Thursday, Olusanya prepared for a home visit to check on a patient. St. John’s uses a mobile unit that carries medical equipment, making these visits possible. She puts together her supplies for blood tests and vital checks, ready to provide the necessary care in the patient’s own environment.

Olusanya recalled a similar drop in patient visits during Trump’s first term, when fears of mass deportation were rampant. Back then, clinic staff would hold drills to prepare for potential raids, but this time, she felt the fear was more intense. “You can feel it; it’s very thick,” she said.

Telehealth is a viable option for some, but many still need in-person exams. St. John’s sends out teams of multiple staff members for home visits, who are often met with relief and gratitude by their patients. Olusanya noted, “They’re very happy, like, ‘Oh, my God, St. John’s can do this. I’m so grateful.’”

Addressing healthcare access for immigrant communities is more important than ever. The fear sparked by policy changes has real consequences on people’s health. By expanding services like home visits, providers like St. John’s are ensuring that patients receive the care they need—without the added worry of immigration enforcement.

This effort highlights a critical intersection of healthcare and human rights, reminding us that access to health services must be protected for everyone, regardless of their background.



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