Improving the Quality of Refugee Health: A Community Speaks

Panizales, Maria Theresa P.

Recent United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) data has shown an increase in the number of refugees worldwide, based on the latest 2013 report the number reached an unprecedented 50 million, by the end of 2014 the number reached to almost 60 million. In fiscal year 2015, the United States (US) State Department reported that US hosted 69,933 refugees. The increasing number of refugees, structural divergence, and a stagnant budget for 20 years makes it difficult to address and close the gap that impact resettlement - more so the health care needs of refugees.

The United States (US) like other developed countries are called to assist or increase logistical assistance and acceptance of refugees for resettlement. This is an effort that is not new to the US. The challenge the country faces is the process involved in resettlement including the accountability to ensure that policy and program meets the current needs.

The US refugee resettlement package is a six-month transition program that includes health care, education, housing, allowance for food/personal needs, and workforce development training. The goal of the program is for the refugees to be independent six months after resettlement, but as the case with most refugees this goal is not met because of the various social determinants especially in health.

A community needs assessment using the MAPP framework was conducted among refugees who have resettled in the US during the last 4^th months to 4 years within a targeted ZIP Code. The result of the refugee health needs assessment indicates the importance of addressing health knowledge and service gaps six months after the resettlement program ends.

The refugee survey response provided the opportunity for the organization to design and plan to implement a culture centered health service program with the component of education and case management. As a community-based participatory program, the refugees will be part of the on going evaluation and process improvement.