February 27, 2026

Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors

Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC and Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH

Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society

Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors

Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe neighborhoods, good food, opportunities to play, experience joy and have access to the resources we need to thrive. Civil liberties are freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. According to Cornell Law School, civil liberties act as limits on how the government can treat people.

These aren’t opposing forces—these realms serve to support each other.

When communities feel safe and flourish, individuals do too.

To meet this moment, we have created Nerdy Nexus: Where Science & Health Meet Society, we explore how rights, freedoms, and health come together in unexpected ways, from vaccine policies to water quality to who gets heard when health decisions and policies are made.

🤓⚖️Nerd Alert: Did you know that people living in the U.S., regardless of citizenship status, are protected by the Constitution, specifically the 5th amendment (no person shall “be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law”)

Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors

People with varying immigrant statuses – including many who are citizens, legal permanent residents, or are following the rules to request refugee or asylum – are afraid to leave their homes to work, get medical care for themselves or their family members, buy food, or bring their children to school.

When we are living in fear, health suffers. Stress affects our bodies. Avoiding medical care leads to worse outcomes. Families torn apart face trauma that echoes for generations.

But here’s what we know from public health: communities are incredibly resilient when they have the right tools and support. Right now, many people need resources and they need them fast. Whether you’re looking for legal help, healthcare access, mental health support, or ways to assist your neighbors, you’re not alone in this.

This moment asks something of all of us. Maybe it’s checking in on a friend. Maybe it’s donating to an organization doing frontline work. Maybe it’s learning your rights or helping someone else understand theirs. Every action matters.

Health isn’t just what happens in a clinician’s office. Health is shaped by safety, policies, dignity, and community care. So let’s show up for each other. Below you’ll find resources for those directly affected by things happening in the U.S. right now and for those ready to help. Share widely. Use what you need. Offer what you can.

We’re in this together.

HOTLINES

(A growing list of resources. Thanks to Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH — Those Nerdy Girls for ongoing support with resource mapping.)

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Educational Materials & Cards:

LEGAL SUPPORT

Find Legal Help:

💡Of note: To our neighbors with varying immigrant statuses – including our neighbors with U.S. citizenship, or anyone who might be perceived as an immigrant by ICE – legal advisors recommend carrying COPIES (not originals) of important documents and identification with you at all times. This includes any government-issued IDs, paperwork with your A-number, and anything that shows you are in good standing with immigration authorities – if that is the case, e.g., paperwork showing they went to a recent immigration appointment.

Never carry originals of important documents, as they may be confiscated and not returned. If possible, have the documents locked up or in a safe place with a trusted person. Some immigrant support organizations or attorneys may do this.

If you have your A-number with you or know it and tell whoever detains you, it’s more likely that you will show up in the system, and family, friends, and attorneys can find out where you are and what’s happening.

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

For Patients:

For Healthcare Providers:

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Crisis Lines:

Mental Health Resource:

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Local Support Networks:

Volunteer/Support Opportunities:

Link to Original Substack Post