Phoenix – Update on Yuma Border Situation

This week, ABC15 is revisiting a 48-hour report from Yuma in the Border Series that was first aired in March 2024.

With many border areas historically having few illegal crossings, there’s been a focus on groups like the Border Health Center. They ran transition centers for asylum seekers for four years, aiming to avoid the kind of street release issues that have plagued other cities along the border.

It’s tough to overlook the ongoing challenges in San Luis, Arizona. Whether you’re walking or driving, there’s an unending stream of people moving between the U.S. and Mexico.

According to recent statistics from the Greater Yuma Port Authority, last year saw about 2.3 million people and around 3.3 million vehicles cross the port.

It’s interesting to note that around 45,000 residents live in the city, which adds another layer of complexity as San Luis continues to expand.

“This community is at a disadvantage regarding healthcare access,” says Amanda Aguirre, a former Arizona lawmaker and current president and CEO of the Regional Border Health Center, located in Summerton, South Yuma County.

This concern is precisely why Aguirre and RCBH are looking to build a hospital in the area, especially since the closest one is in Yuma—a journey that takes at least 30 minutes.

“That’s assuming you even have a car,” Aguirre points out. “If you’re taking a taxi, you might end up waiting and spending around $50.”

I first had a conversation with Aguirre in 2023, and then again in 2024 as part of my 48-hour Border Series.

With fewer illegal crossings recently, those transition centers are no longer necessary. Instead, RCBH is channeling efforts into new projects, like the upcoming hospital, which had its groundbreaking in January.

“It’s easy for us to get backed up,” said San Luis Fire Department Chief Angel Ramirez in a discussion we had in March 2024. He noted that transporting patients to Yuma during times of high immigrant influx often wastes crucial time and resources.

“There are only three ambulances in San Luis. So every trip to the hospital takes about two hours for the ambulance to return. We still need to provide emergency services to our residents,” he emphasized.

Aguirre mentions that the upcoming hospital will feature 16 beds, an emergency department, diagnostic services, and a pharmacy. It will also complement RCBH’s existing medical mall, which is located right next to San Luis.