Arizona, Sonora, Mexico, Sign Agreement to Improve Health Conditions Along Border, Receive Funding From U.S.-Mexico Commission

Arizona and Mexico signed an agreement on Aug. 29 to improve the "dire" health conditions along their shared border, the Arizona Republic reports. Health problems, including diabetes, tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease and drug addition, along the border "far outpace" those in other nearby areas, according to Jose Cruz Ochoa, health director for Sonora, Mexico. Under the arrangement, the two states will receive more than $264,000 from the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission next year for a variety of projects. Of that amount, $31,000 will go to create and maintain a health alert network along the border to prevent potential bioterrorist attacks. In addition, the agreement calls for the localities to develop plans to cut obesity and infant mortality rates. The Republic reports the arrangement also will attempt to improve access to health services for members of the Tohono O'odham Nation, who live on both sides of the border. Catherine Eden, Arizona's director of health services, said, "Other border states are talking, planning or thinking how to establish programs. We're ready to go, we're making it happen right now; diseases don't stop at the border" (Rozemberg, Arizona Republic, 8/30).