Over the past ten years, organized violence within certain municipalities in Mexico has
increased dramatically. A recent study led by PISC Fellow Laura Vargas, PhD, examined the
impact organized violence has on a health care system. To obtain data, a variety of healthcare
workers in Mexican municipalities with high violence rates were interviewed.
Providers cited that patients frequently avoid seeking care, as violence leaves them scared to
travel to the hospital. Health care providers are often targets of threats, aggression, and
kidnapping. “None of us have a safe place,” said one provider. Overall, violence has taken a
significant toll on the healthcare community. In the future, this study will be useful in
determining how to improve medical interventions in areas living undergoing organized
violence.