ABSTRACT
Many immigrant communities encounter unique problems in coping with and finding resources for basic needs. As addressed in earlier chapters, extended family members, parentified children and compadrazco family systems can provide important information and supports for Mexican American families in many areas of need. But in the area of health care, resources may be inaccessible due to low income, legal status, language or cultural incompatibilities. With increasing attacks on public safety nets and with the increased scrutiny of undocumented populations there exists an ongoing burden of finding even minimal health care options in many of our Mexican American enclaves. As the nation’s economic and political vagaries continue to disproportionately impact the poor and undocumented, it is important to assess the availability of any alternative health care resources for the poorest consumers.
