Hundreds of immigrants and their families turned out for a weekend health fair in Colorado despite fresh fears of immigration raids tied to stepped-up federal enforcement. Organizers report more than 900 attendees, with vaccines, health screenings, and legal help delivered on site.
The event’s turnout shows strong demand for trusted, low-cost care at a time when many people are afraid to visit clinics. Volunteers say simple steps—clear privacy rules, translators, and child-friendly spaces—help families feel safe.
What the Colorado health fair delivered
- About 300 people received vaccines.
- Nearly 700 completed health screenings for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis, and cancer.
- More than 200 filled out community surveys to guide follow-up care and insurance outreach.
- Free legal consultations covered immigration and family law, plus information about Medicaid and private insurance options.
Primary care physician Ozzie Grenardo said, “When you put many services under one roof, families show up. They need blood pressure checks, vaccines, dental care, and a safe place to ask questions.” The health fair also featured mental health counselors who offered short sessions and referrals.
Why people are afraid—and still showing up
In 2025, the federal government continued increased interior enforcement, along with the January 2025 suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. These moves echo earlier enforcement patterns and raise fears across mixed-status families.
- Parents worry about immigration raids near public places.
- Teens ask if giving their name at a clinic could put relatives at risk.
Yet the Colorado turnout shows that when trusted groups run an event with clear privacy practices—no ID checks, no law enforcement presence—families still seek care.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, community-based health fairs often serve as a bridge to regular primary care, especially when people fear large hospital systems.
What screenings immigrants face before and after arrival
Pre-arrival medical exams
- Applicants for immigrant visas must complete mandatory overseas health assessments.
- Panel physicians screen for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), gonorrhea, and syphilis; review vaccines; and check mental health.
- Some conditions require treatment before travel.
- These rules aim to protect both individual and public health.
Post-arrival exams
- After entry, refugees and other newcomers are advised to get a full check-up within about 90 days.
- Doctors review immunizations, screen for TB, hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections, and connect patients to ongoing care.
- These steps help catch problems early and keep families healthy.
For official guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains post-arrival evaluations including TB testing, parasite screening, and vaccine catch-up schedules. These recommendations help clinics design fair services that fit people’s backgrounds and risks.
State policy headwinds — and a split map
Across the country in 2025, states take very different paths:
- Some propose or pass limits on state-funded health coverage for people without legal status, citing budget pressures.
- Others expand access to programs for children and pregnant people regardless of status, and protect local aid.
This split environment creates confusion for families who move and for clinics that try to plan budgets and services.
Policy analysts warn that cuts to state and federal programs can widen health gaps. When patients avoid routine care due to cost or fear, conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure worsen—leading to more expensive emergency room visits that strain local hospitals.
Mental health strain in an enforcement-heavy year
Community groups say stress levels are high.
- Parents report sleep problems and panic attacks linked to policy news and rumors about immigration raids.
- Youth counselors see more anxiety in classrooms, especially when relatives face court dates.
- Providers at the Colorado health fair said families asked for quiet spaces, grief support, and referrals for trauma therapy.
These mental health requests rose alongside demand for vaccines and dental screenings.
How health fairs lower barriers
Health fairs reduce barriers by offering practical supports:
- Clear privacy rules posted at the entrance.
- Trained interpreters for Spanish, Somali, Amharic, and more.
- Friendly intake without asking about immigration status.
- On-site legal help to answer status questions, lowering fear of deportation.
- Same-day vaccines and lab work to reduce return visits and missed care.
- Child care corners and snacks to keep families comfortable during long waits.
A mother from El Salvador 🇸🇻 said she delayed a Pap test for two years due to fear. “Here, they explained every step and didn’t ask for papers. I felt safe,” she told volunteers. Her screening led to a same-week specialist referral.
What to know about health screenings and your rights
- You can ask what data the clinic collects and how it’s used.
- Community health centers usually follow strict privacy rules under federal law.
- If a clinic partners with legal aid, ask for a brief consult to understand your options, including potential pathways and risks.
- Keep vaccine cards and screening results in a safe place—these documents help with future care and school requirements for children.
Immigration forms and health topics you might hear about
- Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is used in some immigration cases to show you meet health-related requirements. A USCIS-designated civil surgeon completes it. Find Form I-693 on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
- If you apply for an immigrant visa abroad, the panel physician handles the exam per U.S. Department of State and CDC rules—not the I-693.
Practical steps for families this year
- Ask trusted clinics about upcoming health fair dates. Many rotate through schools, churches, and community centers.
- Bring your meds, vaccine cards, and a list of symptoms—this speeds up screenings.
- If you worry about immigration raids, call organizers to ask about safety measures and law enforcement presence. Many events have policies to protect attendees.
- Use events to get primary care appointments; ask for a sliding-fee clinic if you lack insurance.
- For TB exposure or symptoms—cough lasting three weeks, fever, or night sweats—request TB testing. Early treatment prevents spread.
The bigger policy picture
The suspension of refugee admissions has left many asylum seekers in limbo. While unrelated to routine clinic visits, it adds to fear and delays family reunification.
At the same time, some states may reduce funding for programs that support immunizations, maternal care, and language services. Public health experts warn these shifts can lead to more outbreaks of preventable diseases, especially when people skip vaccines or avoid care due to fear.
What comes next
- Expect more community-based health fairs and mobile clinics, with expanded weekend and evening events to reach workers with long shifts.
- Legal partners will likely increase their presence at health fairs to answer status questions in real time.
- States will continue to diverge on coverage, making local information key. Families should check with county health departments for current benefits and eligibility.
Where to find official information
- Review CDC clinical guidance for new arrivals to help providers set up post-arrival exams and vaccine catch-up plans. See CDC refugee and immigrant health guidance for details on recommended screenings and timelines.
Final takeaways: Health fairs work because they meet people where they are, with clear safety rules and many services in one place. Fear of immigration raids remains high, but trusted local events can keep families on track with vaccines, blood pressure checks, and mental health support. Keep documents, ask questions, and use these touchpoints to connect to ongoing care—regular check-ups protect your family’s health, even in uncertain times.
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