In Tucson, Arizona, University of Arizona (U of A) students are actively engaging in assisting migrants, leveraging an interprofessional collaborative course. As federal funding for migrant handling and processing in Arizona faces an imminent expiration, the U of A’s Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health have joined forces since 2018 to establish the MILAGRO collaborative course. This initiative, conducted in partnership with Casa Alitas, facilitates faculty and students in offering crucial services to migrants arriving in Tucson.

Engaging the Community: MILAGRO Collaborative Course

The MILAGRO collaborative course aims to transcend the confines of traditional university settings, actively engaging students with the community’s pressing needs. Lisa Kiser, an assistant clinical professor at the U of A’s College of Nursing, highlights the significance of this endeavor in bridging the gap between academia and community support. Each term, students from various health service disciplines delve into migration-related issues and subsequently provide direct care and assistance to individuals in need.

Christy Stewart, a volunteer at Casa Alitas, acknowledges the substantial contribution of MILAGRO in supplying volunteers. Moreover, MILAGRO equips students with invaluable skills to serve underserved communities effectively. Through the guidance of dedicated professors, students learn to perceive patients holistically, fostering a deeper understanding of their needs.

Empowering Future Healthcare Professionals

According to Kiser, faculty leader of the MILAGRO course, the program’s overarching goal is to instill in students a sense of responsibility towards evolving global challenges. Exposure to real-world scenarios, such as the migrant crisis, equips students with practical skills and nurtures a commitment to serving rural and underserved communities. Despite facing challenges like the ongoing pandemic and surges in migrant arrivals, the U of A’s partnership with the community remains steadfast.

Sustaining the Mission Amid Funding Uncertainties

With Casa Alitas’s federal funding set to expire on March 31, concerns arise regarding the continuity of support for migrants. However, Kiser affirms that the MILAGRO program remains committed to its mission. Exploring alternative strategies, such as transitioning to a mobile unit response, demonstrates the program’s adaptability and dedication to addressing immediate and urgent needs in the community.

Strengthening Community Bonds through Education and Service

The MILAGRO collaborative course exemplifies the transformative potential of education in fostering community engagement and addressing pressing societal issues. By empowering students to become proactive agents of change, initiatives like MILAGRO not only enhance healthcare delivery but also strengthen the bonds between academic institutions and the communities they serve. As challenges persist, the

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