Since July 1, 2002, Samaritans has been a voice of compassion, a healing presence in the Arizona desert. It is an organization comprised of people of conscience and faith who render humanitarian aid to migrants in distress in the Tucson Sector of the Arizona/Mexico border.Samaritans is a mission of Southside Presbyterian Church.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Samaritans
WHAT IS SAMARITANS?
Samaritans (formerly Samaritan Patrol) are people of faith and conscience who are responding directly, practically and passionately to the crisis at the US/ Mexico border. We are a diverse group of volunteers that are united in our desire to relieve suffering among our brothers and sisters and to honor human dignity. Prompted by the mounting deaths among border crossers, we came together July 2002 to provide emergency medical assistance, food and water to people crossing the Sonoran Desert.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES SAMARITANS DO?
We travel the desert on a daily basis continuing the ancient Southwest tradition of hospitality to travelers. Samaritans has 2 donated 4-WD vehicles to navigate any road or terrain. At least one member on each trip is a fluent Spanish speaker, and one has medical training. Vehicles carry water, food, emergency medical supplies, communication equipment, maps and individual traveler-packs containing items necessary to survive in the desert.
ISN'T IT ILLEGAL?
No. Samaritans is an entirely overt organization committed to a protocol of aid that has Border Patrol is aware of. We have enjoyed cooperative relations with the agents in the field. We patrol only areas that are open to us, never trespassing onto private land.
REMEMBER: IT IS NEVER ILLEGAL TO PROVIDE WATER, FOOD & MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IN DISTRESS.
IS SAMARITAN WORK EFFECTIVE?
In the last six years we have directly aided hundreds of people some of whom were in dire medical distress. Volunteers feel that even if we have only saved one life or helped one exhausted suffering person then our efforts have been worth it. We have provided water to those dehydrated from walking in the desert heat, treated severe sprains and other injuries, bandaged severely blistered feet (potentially life-threatening if you cannot walk and get left behind), called emergency aid for people close to heat stroke, offered blankets on cold nights, given diapers and baby formula to infants and continue to give food and water to large groups of crossers.
DO THE DESERT TRIPS CONTINUE AFTER THE HOT WEATHER IS OVER?
Yes, unfortunately people also die of exposure, dehydration and hypothermia in the winter months.
WHERE DO YOU GO?
Routes change as the need changes. You may find us along State Highway 86 between Tucson & Sells and beyond to Ajo, near Ironwood Forest National Monument in the Silverbell Mine area, or along State Route 286 from Three Points to Sasabe, in the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, around the Arivaca and Amado areas, near Green Valley, Rio Rico, Nogales, Patagonia and Sonoita.
ARE YOU WORKING TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH US BORDER POLICY?
We are actively seeking to change border policy by serving as witness to its failures, by drawing media attention to the suffering in the desert and by advocating a more realistic and humane border policy. We support the finalization of international accords that would help prevent traveler's deaths. We are committed to bringing all parties to the table to define sustainable immigration policy.
CAN I BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Absolutely. Volunteers attend a 3 hour training which includes the mission, protocol, history of the border, legal and medical issues. Trainings are held on the first Sunday of each month. For those who do not want to go on trips, there are support roles available.
COME TO A MEETING - Every Tuesday
7PM at SOUTHSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
317 W. 23rd Street
Tucson AZ 85713
520-549-8903
info@tucsonsamaritans.org
Samaritans (formerly Samaritan Patrol) are people of faith and conscience who are responding directly, practically and passionately to the crisis at the US/ Mexico border. We are a diverse group of volunteers that are united in our desire to relieve suffering among our brothers and sisters and to honor human dignity. Prompted by the mounting deaths among border crossers, we came together July 2002 to provide emergency medical assistance, food and water to people crossing the Sonoran Desert.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES SAMARITANS DO?
We travel the desert on a daily basis continuing the ancient Southwest tradition of hospitality to travelers. Samaritans has 2 donated 4-WD vehicles to navigate any road or terrain. At least one member on each trip is a fluent Spanish speaker, and one has medical training. Vehicles carry water, food, emergency medical supplies, communication equipment, maps and individual traveler-packs containing items necessary to survive in the desert.
ISN'T IT ILLEGAL?
No. Samaritans is an entirely overt organization committed to a protocol of aid that has Border Patrol is aware of. We have enjoyed cooperative relations with the agents in the field. We patrol only areas that are open to us, never trespassing onto private land.
REMEMBER: IT IS NEVER ILLEGAL TO PROVIDE WATER, FOOD & MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IN DISTRESS.
IS SAMARITAN WORK EFFECTIVE?
In the last six years we have directly aided hundreds of people some of whom were in dire medical distress. Volunteers feel that even if we have only saved one life or helped one exhausted suffering person then our efforts have been worth it. We have provided water to those dehydrated from walking in the desert heat, treated severe sprains and other injuries, bandaged severely blistered feet (potentially life-threatening if you cannot walk and get left behind), called emergency aid for people close to heat stroke, offered blankets on cold nights, given diapers and baby formula to infants and continue to give food and water to large groups of crossers.
DO THE DESERT TRIPS CONTINUE AFTER THE HOT WEATHER IS OVER?
Yes, unfortunately people also die of exposure, dehydration and hypothermia in the winter months.
WHERE DO YOU GO?
Routes change as the need changes. You may find us along State Highway 86 between Tucson & Sells and beyond to Ajo, near Ironwood Forest National Monument in the Silverbell Mine area, or along State Route 286 from Three Points to Sasabe, in the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, around the Arivaca and Amado areas, near Green Valley, Rio Rico, Nogales, Patagonia and Sonoita.
ARE YOU WORKING TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH US BORDER POLICY?
We are actively seeking to change border policy by serving as witness to its failures, by drawing media attention to the suffering in the desert and by advocating a more realistic and humane border policy. We support the finalization of international accords that would help prevent traveler's deaths. We are committed to bringing all parties to the table to define sustainable immigration policy.
CAN I BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Absolutely. Volunteers attend a 3 hour training which includes the mission, protocol, history of the border, legal and medical issues. Trainings are held on the first Sunday of each month. For those who do not want to go on trips, there are support roles available.
COME TO A MEETING - Every Tuesday
7PM at SOUTHSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
317 W. 23rd Street
Tucson AZ 85713
520-549-8903
info@tucsonsamaritans.org