Health comes first.To be successful in the migration from Mexico to the U.S.,the first thing is to be in good health. Travel conditions aredifficult and in some cases very dangerous. It is important torealize that in some cases you may be risking your life and thatif you are in good health the risks are diminished.The Mexican federal government, the state governments, and non-governmentalinstitutions and agencies in the United States have put forth aneffort to put in place programs whose missions are to protect andcare for the health of the migrant. It is important to know of theseprograms, where you can go and how to receive the benefits to improveyour health.The program GoHealthy Return Healthy (Vete sano Regresa Sano) which is coordinatedby the Health department is proof of the joined efforts to carefor migrant health. Get to know it and use it. If you are alreadyestablished in the U.S. and you know of a friend or relative whowants to make the trip to the United States, recommend that they shouldfirst go to one of the Officesfor Migrant Attention (Oficinas de Atención al Migrante)in Mexico to care for their health.The weakest part of the migrant movement is the children. Theyalso belong to the migrant movement and the risks they run areeven greater. Fortunately there is a networkof Shelters for MinorsIt is very important that you know where to find these sheltersso that you can go to them in case it is necessary or you can tellthose you know who will be traveling with children.Thinking about the family that stays behind in Mexico, theMexican government has coordinated with the state governmentsto create the Public Health Insurance (Seguro Popular de Salud).Its funding is fundamentally public, based on a federal governmentsubsidy along with a small amount to be paid by the insured.The Public Health Insurance is a program that brings financialprotection to the people who don't have access to social securitysuch as IMSS or ISSSTE, by means of an insurance, public and voluntaryfocused on reducing the medical bills and to encourage continuingmedical care.Paisano friend: protect your family that stays behind in Mexico.Get to know the Public Health Insurance and give them the securitythey deserve, since that is why you work so hard in The UnitedStates. Visittheir site in InternetThere are also agencies in Mexico and the United States thatare working together to care for migrant health. In June 2003the Department of Health in Mexico began a program in San Diego,California called Health Window (Ventanilla de Salud) in the MexicanConsulate that will provide information about clinics and hospitalsthat offer services to people with low income and those whichdon't have the documentation that states their migratory statusin this country. This is a major achievement oft he Mexican governmentand of the private interest groups in California to support theMexicans who require health care and to make it easier to preventand treat illnesses. Visit the SanDiego Mexican Consulate and make use of this opportunity One of the most important bi-national health benefits was theorganization of the Bi-nationalHealth Week (Semana Binacional de Salud) from October 12-19,2003, in California. The results of the research and proposalswill be available to the migrant people in the near future. Visittheir web site and learn more details of this important bi-nationaleffort. The National Medical Library in the United States has important informationfor you to help protect you and your family's health. Visit thesite Medline Plus and youwill find helpful information.In the United States the farm workers have a center dedicatedto their care and protection: The NationalCenter for Farm Workers Health (NCFH). Established in 1974,the NCFH is a private non-profit institution in Buda, Texas andits mission is to improve health and living conditions for thefarm worker families through the proper application of informational,technical and human resources. While in the U.S. you may receive medical assistance and regular check-ups at many different clinics. There are many clinics thatoffer services for migrant and farm workers at a reduced costand offer financial assistance. You can find information aboutthe clinics and programs from the HealthResources and Services Administration.There is also a directory available to searchfor a clinic in your direct area. Medicaid is a national program that is designed to help lowincome families to have some insurance to cover medical and healthcosts. Every state has this program and you can purchase thisinsurance for a very low cost. For example, California has theMedi-Cal program. Please ask about these insurances and how youcan get them when you visit your doctor or clinic. They shouldbe able to provide you direct assistance.In an effort to coordinate all of the health benefit programsfor the migrant the Bi-national directory has been organized withnames, addresses and telephones of institutions that have as theirmission to care and protect the health of the migrant and theirfamilies in México as well as in the United States. Visitit and take advantage of the benefits that they offer to carefor your health and that of your family. Related subjects·FAQ: What to do if you have an emergency·TOPIC: Health