For many Mexican-American co-nationals or Mexican nationals living throughout the state, it can be challenging to make arrangements to travel to the Sacramento office where medical, financial, and other services are provided. The Mobile Consulate concept is an initiative that hosts many of these critical services at various locations throughout Northern and Central California. The latest Mobile Consulate was hosted partnership with the Consulado General de Mexico en Sacramento (Mexican Consulate Office in Sacramento), UC Davis’ Luis Carbajal Lab Center for Advancing Cancer Health Equity, and Patterson Unified School District on June 29th in Patterson, California.
The Mexican Consulate entrusts the HEC team to play a critical role in ensuring that the mobile consulates can operate smoothly. For example, our staff supports with promotion/ outreach, the intake process, and the financial and health assistance appointments. “A typical day includes 150 to 200 appointments, many of which are scheduled ahead of time, however individuals over 65 or needing emergency services are not required to schedule appointments” added Program Coordinator Nora Rodriguez. The Sacramento Consulate office serves a 24-county region, so bringing the services closer to residents who are often working or caring for their loved ones is a top priority that we’ve been able to help the Consulate maintain.
“There are limitations to how many people we can help at each event, however we work with them to identify other options and even schedule appointments at the Sacramento office if they’re able to travel” added Program Coordinator Randy Davila. In addition to the consulate departments, we also invite other organizations from the surrounding communities in case they are also able to support them. Ultimately, we work in partnership with the Mexican Consulate and others to remove barriers to services.
