Voces Unidas is pleased to learn that Mind Springs voted not to pursue a contract with ICE at this time. This decision comes after Voces Unidas CEO Alex Sánchez expressed concerns publicly and engaged in productive discussions with leadership from Mind Springs and Larkin Health System, including Dr. Nicholas Torres and Dr. Jack Mitchel.
Voces Unidas raised serious concerns regarding the implications of such a contract on community trust and access to mental health services. Mind Springs is one of the few accessible facilities in the Western Slope for Medicaid patients and those unable to afford mental health care during crises. Voces Unidas emphasized that it was crucial for individuals seeking help not to feel fearful when accessing these essential services.
It is widely known that Minds Springs is facing financial challenges but we underscored that entering into a contract with entities like ICE could jeopardize their primary mission to serve rural communities in the Western Slope. The potential presence of federal immigration law enforcement in Grand Junction, which lacks a local permanent ICE holding facility, could create an atmosphere of fear among residents needing care.
Transporting patients from distant ICE facilities could lead to anxiety within communities as vehicles marked with Homeland Security or ICE pass through towns and neighborhoods en route to Grand Junction. This scenario would likely disrupt several local communities, and also raise concerns about how it might affect individuals seeking help at Mind Springs facilities in the region.
Following constructive discussions with Drs. Torres and Mitchell, Voces Unidas pledged to engage more actively with Mind Springs if they decide not to engage with ICE and be part of the regional discussion and effort to find solutions to address the mental health needs of Western Slope residents.
It will take leadership from all stakeholders in the region to fund and provide mental health services across the Western Slope. We call for collaboration among local and state government officials, state and federal legislators, other healthcare providers and hospital systems in the region, patient advocates, regional nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy.
As we move forward together, we must prioritize accessibility without fear so that every individual can receive the support they need during challenging times.