Doctors gather to observe and review a knee X-ray.A binational group of health officials from along the U.S.-Mexico border will meet in Mexico later this month to update a health initiative for the region.
Arizona and Sonora health officials are part of a plan that ensures they work together seamlessly to deal with binational health emergencies.
“…and that is crucial" said Robert Guerrero, chief of border health for the Arizona Department of Health Services, "Not just because we want to be good friends – because we are - but from a safety standpoint."
Guerrero and his counterparts in the 10 states in Mexico and the U.S. that share the border have activated what they call the Healthy Border 20/20 initiative. It provides for binational treatment of public health issues from diabetes to infectious diseases.
More than 15 million people live along the border in areas that have strong connections.
“The communities and families live on both sides," Guerrero said. "If you want to address a health issue, you’ll never be as successful if you didn’t take into account both sides of that border.”
Guerrero said the Healthy Border 20/20 plan is saving lives by engaging the entire region.
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