Simmons MPH Immersion Examines Health and Justice Challenges Facing Immigrant Communities

Introduction

Over the past decade, public health scholars and practitioners have increasingly recognized the intersection of health outcomes and social justice for immigrant populations. In Massachusetts, a state known for its progressive policies, a new Master of Public Health (MPH) Immersion program at Simmons University offers students a unique, hands‑on experience that blends academic theory with real‑world advocacy. The immersion, “Beyond Barriers: Advocating for Health and Justice with Immigrant Communities,” was held on September 5 and featured leaders from La Colaborativa and the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. This article details why the program matters, how it operates, and what students—and interested community members—can learn from the event.

Why Health and Justice Matter for Immigrant Communities

Immigrants in the United States often enjoy longer life expectancy than native‑born citizens but face higher rates of chronic illness, mental health challenges, and limited access to preventive services. Structural barriers—such as high insurance costs, language gaps, and fear of immigration enforcement in health settings—contribute to these disparities.

Historical context further explains current challenges. From the 1790 Naturalization Act that tied citizenship to race, to the 1924 quota system that restricted certain nationalities, immigration policy has long been entangled with racial and economic biases. Even after the 1965 abolition of quotas, lingering effects shape how immigrant communities navigate healthcare and justice systems today.

What the MPH Immersion Looks Like

The immersion is one of two required experiential projects in Simmons’ online MPH program. It allows students to spend time on the ground, observing community programs, meeting with advocates, and analyzing how policy plays out in everyday life. As Associate Professor Leigh Haynes explains, the goal is to move “beyond the theoretical knowledge covered in class to gain critical insight into the issue from advocates and practitioners.”

The September 5 event was part of the Boston Immersion track. Students attended a presentation delivered by Gladys Vega, President and CEO of La Colaborativa, and Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of MIRA Coalition, offering third‑person narratives that challenge textbook assumptions.

La Colaborativa: Wrap‑around Services in Chelsea

La Colaborativa serves the Latinx community in Chelsea, Massachusetts. With wrap‑around services that range from financial counseling to job certification training, the organization seeks to break cycles of poverty. However, the rise in ICE presence in local hospitals has led many residents to avoid seeking needed care. Vega shared that the nonprofit now operates a full‑time clinic in its office to reduce exposure to enforcement agencies.

She also drew attention to recent policy shifts: the end of Temporary Protected Status has left thousands unable to work legally, increasing the organization’s caseload. La Colaborativa’s strategy includes preparing for unknown legal outcomes, ensuring children in these families have guardianship documents that can be activated if parents face detainment.

MIRA Coalition: Advocacy Across the Commonwealth

MIRA is a coalition of over 150 organizations that provide services to immigrants and refugees statewide. Elizabeth Sweet highlighted historical legislation that entrenched inequality—tying citizenship to racial categories—and how the narrative that equates immigration with criminality perpetuates stigma. Sweet emphasized that, contrary to popular belief, immigrants contribute significantly to local economies and tax bases.

Concrete achievements mentioned include: state‑wide driver’s license access for all residents regardless of status, tuition equity for high‑school graduates, and a new pathway for foreign medical graduates to get training and licensure in underserved areas. MIRA is currently pushing for state funding to expand legal services for those appearing before immigration courts.

Strategies for Supporting Immigrant Communities

While policy changes are essential, community‑level actions can make immediate differences. Here are practical steps individuals, organizations, and public‑health professionals can take:

• Advocate for Legal Protections. Support legislation that expands access to public benefits, including health insurance and childcare, irrespective of immigration status. This reduces economic barriers that often lead to delayed care.
• Facilitate Safe‑Space Clinics. Work with healthcare providers to establish clinics that protect patient privacy from law‑enforcement requests. Non‑profit organizations can partner with hospitals to create policy guarantees or “shield clauses.”
• Language‑Access Services. Offer translation and culturally appropriate nutrition counseling. Health literacy programs tailored to specific language groups help residents navigate preventive services.
• Patronize Immigrant‑Owned Businesses. Supporting local businesses embedded in the community strengthens economic resilience and keeps wealth within a demographic that faces systemic obstacles.
• Leverage Student Immersions. Universities, including Simmons, can expand the number of students in depth studies, ensuring that the next generation of public‑health leaders has direct exposure to community realities.

What Students Gain From the Immersion

Students leave the immersion with a toolkit that includes:

• Evidence‑based insights into how structural barriers influence health outcomes.
• Networking opportunities with frontline advocates whose work informs policy.
• Practical experience designing community‑based interventions—a key component of public‑health practice.
• Improved competency in cross‑cultural communication, vital for any health‑care setting.

Most importantly, the immersion fosters a new perspective: health disparities tied to justice are not isolated. They require coordinated policy, community building, and rigorous research—all skills that students glean directly from these on‑the‑ground experiences.

Opportunities For Community Engagement

The article and the ensuing discussion highlight that solutions demand collaboration. Whether you are a health‑care provider, educator, or an activist, here are tangible ways to get involved:

• Attend local community forums where organizations like La Colaborativa and MIRA present policy updates.
• Volunteer for health‑screening events in immigrant‑dense neighborhoods.
• Contact your state legislators to support bills that expand health equity.
• Partner with universities to facilitate student immersion opportunities that feed back into your community.

Call to Action

For students considering a career in public health, Simmons offers a robust online MPH program that integrates immersion experiences focused on real‑world impact. Apply to the Simmons MPH Program today to gain the skills and experience needed to lead change in immigrant health justice.

Public‑health professionals and advocates may schedule a free consultation with Simmons’ faculty to explore partnership opportunities. Schedule a consultation to discuss how immersive learning can strengthen your initiatives.

If you have questions about how your work aligns with health‑justice frameworks, contact us today to learn more about integrating evidence‑based strategies into your programs.

To stay informed about upcoming events, share your experiences in the comments below, or read additional articles on Simmons University’s news portal. Explore related articles for further reading.

Conclusion

Health and justice are inseparable in the context of immigrant communities. The Simmons MPH Immersion provides a concrete framework for students to witness the challenges first hand and develop solutions that resonate with affected populations. By engaging with organizations like La Colaborativa and MIRA, and by advocating for policy change, public‑health leaders can help transform structural barriers into pathways for inclusive, equitable care.

As the landscape continues to evolve, sustained collaboration between academia, community organizations, and policymakers will be critical to achieving lasting health equity for immigrants throughout the United States.