First, do no harm. Next, make things better.

The following sponsored message from Physicians for Human Rights has been sent to you via Mother Jones. We're a nonprofit, and a majority of our budget comes from readers like you—but revenue from advertisers helps us run a stable business, maintain independence, and produce more of the hard-hitting journalism you expect from us.  Dear MoJo Reader, "First, do no harm." When I took that oath as a doctor, it honestly didn’t seem like a radical act. But as I witness what’s still happening to asylum-seeking children and their parents at the U.S. border, I know it will take all of our resolve to prevent further, irreparable harm coming to these families. [That’s why I am asking for your help.]( Research clearly indicates a wide spectrum of harmful physical and psychological effects when children are detained and separated from their families. Among refugee children, being forcibly separated from family has an impact on standard mental health indicators that is matched only by the experience of being beaten and tortured. In my work with Physicians for Human Rights, I have seen that even when leaders close their hearts to the cries of the oppressed, they may still listen to the authoritative voices of medical professionals. So today, I’m asking you to help me [amplify this demand — backed by scientific evidence — to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Alex Azar:]( Do everything in your power to swiftly, humanely, and efficiently stop the detention of immigrant families and reunite separated children with their families. The research is clear: every additional day of separation is causing further irreparable harm to children. We’re just six days away from the final court-ordered deadline of July 26, when thousands of children, regardless of age, must be reunited with their parents. With this story fading from the national spotlight and the government moving all too slowly, my hopes lie with the activists and the troublemakers, those who speak truth to power and don’t take no for an answer. In short, [my hopes lie with you.]( As the child of two Holocaust survivors, I have seen in my own life how the trauma of losing their families had a devastating, lasting impact on both of my parents. If you and I can use the power of our voices to spare innocent children even one additional day of trauma, I hope we will seize the chance to do so. [Thank you in advance for standing with Physicians for Human Rights – and for sending the strongest possible message to HHS Secretary Azar today.]( Sincerely, Kerry Sulkowicz, MD Board Chair Physicians for Human Rights P.S. For more than 30 years, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) has used science and the uniquely credible voices of medical professionals to prevent torture, document mass atrocities, and hold those who violate human rights accountable. [Thank you for taking action with us today.]( Physicians for Human Rights 256 W. 38th Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10018 ©2018 Physicians for Human Rights [web@phr.org]( [phr.org]( 646.564.3720 --------------------------------------------------------------- Mother Jones and its non-profit publisher, the Foundation for National Progress, does not endorse any political candidate, political organization, commercial product, process or service, and the views expressed in this communication do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation or favoring by Mother Jones. For advertising opportunities see our online [media kit](. This message was sent to {EMAIL}. To stop receiving Mother Jones' advertising emails, or manage your preferences for our emails, click [here](. [MOTHERJONES.COM]() 222 Sutter Street, #600 San Francisco, CA USA 94108