Abstract
Purpose. This study explores healthcare alternatives that migrants have outside of traditional governmental programs. Due to the nature of migration (both documented and unauthorized), mainstream social services are not always available. Consequently, this study investigated the methods of implementation of a migrant health promotion program, Ventanilla de Salud (VdS), which is offered by the Mexican government through its consular network. Theoretical Framework. This study is based on the research foundations of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in healthcare and other social services, as well as theories of social construction and policy design, as embedded in the evaluation implementation literature. Methodology. The author used a four-stage implementation evaluation plan to describe the VdS program settings (Love, 2004). Stage one assessed which models could meet the needs of the Mexican migrant populations and identified specific implementation factors to consider in an analysis of feasibility. Stage two presented the program template and logic model. Stage three used various data sources to describe program delivery and outcomes. Lastly, stage four provided recommendations for improvement. Findings. The analysis indicated the existence of VdS operating in every state through Mexico's Consular network. The program has served over 1.5 million people and has provided over 4.5 million unique services. Given the budgetary constraints and transnational nature of the program, results are contingent upon the social and political climates in both Mexico and the U.S., making it highly susceptible to external factors and environmental conditions. Conclusions and Recommendations. The analysis supported the conclusion that documenting methods of implementation is an important first step in validating alternate service delivery systems to address the unmet healthcare needs of vulnerable populations. However, the VdS needs to improve transparency and accountability. Case study evaluations comparing individual VdS program outcomes would contribute to a viable set of best practices and alternative service delivery options for addressing the complex needs of target populations. This would also help improve the legitimacy of the program and ensure its fiscal and programmatic sustainability as a viable healthcare promotion and disease prevention program for other vulnerable migrants.