Refugee Health

The Office of Global Health Affairs (OGHA) coordinates refugee health policies and activities across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in addition to working with other federal and international agencies that are involved with refugee issues. On a local level, OGHA assists state governments with programs concerning the health assessment and care of refugees resettling throughout the United States.

Topics on this page:

• Initiatives
• Health Briefings for Refugee Populations
• U.S. Government Partners
• Global Organizations

Initiatives

• Refugee Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Initiative (RHPDP)
  A collaborative project between several offices and agencies within HHS to increase refugee health awareness.

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Health Briefings for Refugee Populations

• Background on Potential Health Issues for Burmese Refugees
• Background on Potential Health Issues for Hmong Refugees from Wat Tham Krabok
• Background on Potential Health Issues for Liberian Refugees
• Background on Potential Health Problems for Somali Bantu

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U.S. Government Partners

• Office of Refugee Resettlement:

  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/

  (U.S. Administration for Children and Families)
  Read about the office's mission and projects to aid refugees resettling in the United States.
• International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch:

  http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ierh/default.htm

  (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  News, publications, and other information related to CDC’s work with refugees involved in disaster or emergency situations.
• Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant Health:

  http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/refugee/index.htm

  (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  CDC's efforts to improve the health of refugees in specific areas across the globe.
• Refugee Mental Health Program:

  http://www.refugeewellbeing.samhsa.gov/

  (U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
  The program provides refugee mental health consultation and technical assistance to federal, state, and local agencies.
• Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration:

  http://www.state.gov/g/prm/

  (U.S. Department of State)
  The bureau's role is to assist refugees to permanently resettle in the U.S.; it also administers U.S. refugee assistance and admissions programs.
• Disaster Assistance:

  http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/

  (U.S. Agency for International Development)
  This USAID office coordinates assistance for refugees displaced by emergencies, such as civil conflicts or acts of terrorism.

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Global Organizations

• U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants:

  http://www.refugees.org/

  
  Describes the work of the organization, including upcoming events and advocacy and funding opportunities.
• The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR):

  http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home/

  
  This branch of the UN works to protect the well-being and human rights of displaced persons around the world.
• International Foundation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies:

  http://www.ifrc.org/

  
  Provides medical assistance and community care to victims of natural disasters and other health emergencies, including refugees.
• InterAction – Migrations and Refugees Unit:

  http://www.interaction.org/refugees/index.html

  (American Council for Voluntary International Action)
  This organization aids refugees by providing an avenue for humanitarian assistance.
• The Sphere Project: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response:

  http://www.sphereproject.org/

  
  Read about the international project to establish guidelines ensuring that refugees and other victims of disasters receive the proper health care and other assistance they need.
• HealthRight International:

  http://www.healthright.org/

  
  Medical programs and health services this organization of volunteer doctors brings to refugees and other people in need.
• International Rescue Committee:

  http://www.theirc.org/

  
  IRC provides emergency relief, resettlement assistance, and post-conflict development.
• International Centre for Migration and Health:

  http://www.icmh.ch/

  
  ICMH advances research, training, and advocacy work related to migrant and refugee health and welfare.

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Last revised: May 18, 2010