Clinicians as advocates amid refugee resettlement agency closures

Abstract

As ongoing war and violence forcibly displace people worldwide, resettlement remains a critical response to the unprecedented global refugee crisis. In recent years, however, the USA (US) has diminished admissions, forcing agencies to shutter offices and resettlement programs across the nation—posing a silent threat to the refugee resettlement system. We provide historical context of refugee resettlement, discuss challenges, and offer recommendations for healthcare providers to become more effective advocates for refugee health in the USA. The need is urgent for healthcare providers and institutions—particularly in regions of high resettlement—to advocate for expanding and assuring sustainable capacity to care for refugees. Key elements include promotion of trauma-informed care, integration of social services in primary care settings, partnership with community-based organizations to promote continuation of care, advocacy for resources and services, and opposition to policies detrimental to the health of refugees and immigrants.

Tailoring the perioperative surgical home for children in refugee families

“…In the United States, children in refugee families establish primary care with the support of their refugee resettlement agency within 90 days of arrival 38. The American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Caring for Children in Immigrant Families describes: “The medical home, infused with cultural humility and safety, supports continuous, comprehensive, and compassionate care and increases collaboration with community supports.”39 One example of a medical home is the Refugee Health Promotion Project based at the University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where the overseas health records of children are reviewed before establishing primary care in partnership with refugee resettlement agencies and the WA Department of Health Refugee Health Program 40…”

A Qualitative Inquiry of Older Afghan Refugee Women’s Individual and Sociocultural Factors of Health and Health Care Experiences in the United States

“…Particularly, Afghan women may face increased burden of chronic disease and mental health issues and face challenges in accessing preventive health services (Naja et al, 2019; Yun et al, 2012). Registered nurses and health care providers in community settings who provide chronic disease management are well positioned to respond to the distinct needs of resettled refugees (Siddiq & Rosenberg, 2021).…”

Addressing the mental health needs of older adult refugees: Perspectives of multi-sector community key informants

“…Refugee programs and services are administered by a County Refugee Coordinator, who contracts with local service providers, and refugee resettlement agencies work with the UNHCR to identify and coordinate the receipt of refugees. However, resettled refugees are only eligible to receive specific services, including housing and healthcare, for a limited time ( Siddiq & Rosenberg, 2021 ).…”