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Value immigrants

To the editor:

The physicians and staff of ACMC Health have been serving the health needs of the people of west central and southwest Minnesota for nearly 50 years.

During that time, we have benefitted from the commitment of physicians, nurses and supporting staff who have emmigrated from countries across the world.

Some of the most recent include Argentina, India, Poland, the Philippines, Guatemala, Togo, Paraguay, Tanzania and yes, Pakistan, Somalia and Syria. These individuals are Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim.

They are smart, well-trained and hard-working and bring with them valuable ideas, experience and diversity that make us all better health care professionals.

The one thing they have in common is that they are committed to the people of our communities.

These immigrants are among the people who are working to make our lives healthier and better, diagnose our illnesses, cure our infections, treat our cancers and save our lives. We need them.

Now these committed people are asking themselves, am I safe in my community? Am I welcome? Am I wanted?

The current political climate has created a situation where they are fearful for their safety and that of their families.

We must demonstrate to the valuable immigrants of our communities — our doctors, our nurses and the others who make our region great — that we welcome them, we stand with them, we want them here and we appreciate all they do to make our lives better.

And we should thank them in advance for being there when someone’s life needs to be saved — it might be someone we love.

Cindy Firkins Smith, MD

ACMC president and CEO

ACMC board of directors and affiliate representatives

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