Saturday, July 12, 2025

County Health Leaders Condemn Federal Policy Denying Undocumented Access to Vital Services

Three Los Angeles County health officials on Friday sharply condemned a federal directive barring undocumented people in California from accessing federally funded health and social service programs, warning of sweeping threats to public health and community equity.

In a joint statement issued by Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health; Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director of Health Services; and Dr. Lisa Wong, Director of Mental Health Services, the officials described the policy change as deeply saddening and said it “threatens to undermine” the county’s mission of providing care for all residents.

“We are guided by the fundamental belief that health care is a human right,” the statement read. “We stand united in our commitment to ensuring that every person — regardless of immigration status — can seek the healthcare services they need without fear or barriers.”

The directive from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is expected to impact programs administered by county health departments, including physical and mental health care as well as substance use services. Officials emphasized the potential damage to services delivered through the county’s “valued and trusted community clinic and community partners.”

“When people are afraid to seek care — or are blocked from accessing it altogether — prevention opportunities are limited, illnesses go untreated, mental health crises escalate, and substance use disorders worsen,” the statement continued. “Delayed care can lead to higher rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, homelessness, and the spread of communicable diseases.”

Leaders also warned of a “chilling effect” on patients across demographics, including U.S. citizens, noting that fear and confusion may discourage people from pursuing essential health services. The statement cautioned that such strain would jeopardize the ability of public and private providers to fund and sustain programs communities rely on.

“We are actively working to understand the full impact of this policy for LA Health Services, Public Health, and Mental Health,” the officials said. “We urge federal leaders to reconsider policies that deny health care to vulnerable members of our communities and instead prioritize the health, dignity, and humanity of every person.”