by InTrieste
In a continued effort to address the humanitarian crisis faced by migrants along the Balkan route, the international humanitarian organization EMERGENCY, in collaboration with Donk Humanitarian Medicine, has opened a socio-healthcare support center in Trieste. The center aims to offer crucial medical and social services to migrants arriving in Italy, mapping their needs and providing vital orientation services.
The new facility, situated within the Day Center at Via Udine 19, is part of the broader San Martino al Campo Community. It will be operational at various times throughout the week, including Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon and afternoons from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The center will also be open Tuesday and Friday afternoons, as well as Thursday mornings.
This initiative focuses on providing migrants with access to essential services, facilitating smoother navigation of Italy’s healthcare and administrative systems. A cultural mediator has been appointed to assist migrants in overcoming the barriers they often face in accessing medical care and other forms of support. The center, located near the northeastern border regions of Trieste and Gorizia, is strategically placed to support those who enter the country after arduous journeys through the Balkans.
Migrants will benefit from more than just referrals to healthcare services. The center also offers accompaniment for patients facing the greatest challenges, while conducting outreach in informal settlements and other reception centers. The goal is to better understand the living conditions and difficulties faced by migrants in these areas, many of whom arrive with severe health issues, both physical and psychological, after enduring dangerous treks.
As the migratory flow along the Balkan route continues, initiatives like these are a lifeline for vulnerable populations seeking safety and stability. In recent years, Trieste has become a focal point for migration into Europe, with many migrants arriving in Italy through the rugged Balkan peninsula, which poses significant health risks.
With EMERGENCY’s track record in conflict zones and emergency healthcare around the world, and the local expertise of Donk Humanitarian Medicine, the new support center will aim to alleviate some of the pressing health and social needs among migrants.
“We see people arriving in Trieste with many untreated illnesses, after long and dangerous journeys,” said one spokesperson from the organization. “We want to make sure they are not left alone in a moment of extreme vulnerability.”
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the migrant crisis in Europe, which has seen increasing numbers of displaced people arriving via precarious routes. Through continued partnerships, both with local communities and international organizations, this new center stands as a vital resource for those most in need.
