Mass. Health Centers See Influx Of Central American Migrants

When Gov. Deval Patrick raised the possibility of housing a detention center in Massachusetts for minors who illegally migrated to the United States , several communities were outraged.

The facilities are no longer needed, but unaccompanied minors are still coming to the state, often to reunite with families as they seek asylum from growing violence in countries including Hondouras and Guatemala.

Health carer providers were among the first groups to notice the shift. Massachusetts General Hospital's Chelsea HealthCare Center is among those who are seeing more young migrants coming through their doors — around 250 since this past winter. They seek refuge with family members or sponsors in Chelsea, and come with serious medical and social needs.

Richard Knox, health and science reporter. He tweets @DickKnox.

Brent Ragar, MD, chief of urgent care at MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center.

CommonHealth: Even In Mass., Hundreds Of Young Central American Refugees Seek Care