Dear Friends of No More Deaths/ No Más Muertes,                                                     
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The following is a first-hand account of the border crisis, written by one of our dedicated volunteers who works at an aid center for migrants in the border city of Nogales, Mexico:

“Isabela wore the only clothes she owned. Her last meal was the morning before. Since then her desire to eat had dwindled. Dizzy and faint, baked by the sun, she waited outside to enter the small dining room, along with more than 100 other weary people whose eyes were filled with hope. Leaning against the wall outside the Kino Border Initiative’s (KBI) Aid Center for Migrants, commonly called the Comedor, she watched the many babies and children clinging to their parents.

Inside the Comedor, I was acting as an interpreter for a retired nurse practitioner. The tables were full of people from Central America and Mexico eating breakfast. Currently, 250 or more refugees are given food and drink in the mornings and again in the afternoons.   

The flow of migrants from Central America continues. Sister Engracia, one of four dedicated Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist at KBI, reports that the number of morning and afternoon meals served fell from 13,897 in April to 11,670 in May, 8812 in June, and 8162 in July. Nonetheless, shelters in Nogales, Sonora are full, compelling multiple families to rent a room together. Many in Nogales are suffering from the flu, colds, upper respiratory tract infections, chicken pox and other illnesses. Being sick increases the risk of dehydration and can cause serious health issues.

Isabela recovered from the life-threatening, severe dehydration she experienced. Along with thousands of individuals and families seeking asylum in the United States, she waits for safe harbor. However, many more are not as lucky. Thousands have died while crossing the remote area of the borderlands.​

No More Deaths/No Más Muertes, and other humanitarian non-profits, offers free phone calls, medical supplies, and medical care at the Comedor. Volunteers go daily to help not only with these services, but to assist with meals and attend to the crowds of people.

There is an enormous need for medical volunteers at this time. Requirements include a medical license or first aid certification, a passport, and living within driving distance of Nogales, Sonora. It is also possible to volunteer in Nogales in this capacity if one lives farther away, but a commitment of at least a month of service is required. If interested, contact No More Deaths at (520) 307-7379 or Robert Kee at [email protected].

The work of No More Deaths inside the northern border of Mexico has increased exponentially over the past few months. In addition to volunteering, we ask that you consider a gift to No More Deaths today to continue our work of giving lifesaving humanitarian aid, on both the U.S. and Mexican sides of the border.  We so appreciate your support. To give a gift, please click the button below.

In gratitude,

The No More Deaths/ No Más Muertes community