Refugee Health
The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) coordinates refugee health policies and activities across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They also work with other federal and international agencies that are involved with refugee issues. OGA assists state governments with programs for refugees resettling in the United States. This includes refugee health assessment and health care.
Initiatives
The Refugee Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Initiative (RHPDP) is a collaborative project between several offices and agencies within HHS. Its purpose is to increase refugee health awareness.
U.S. Government Partners
- The HHS Administration for Children and Families provides support for vulnerable populations such as refugees and migrants.
- A variety of disease screening and information resources are available from Center for Disease Control.
- Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services, Executive Office of Immigration Review at the Department of Justice
- Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration at the Department of State
- The following Department of Homeland Security may also be of interest:
Global Organizations
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
– supports refugees arriving in the United States and in communities around the world. - The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) – a branch of the UN that works to protect the well-being and human rights of refugees around the world.
- International Foundation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – provides medical assistance and community care to victims of natural disasters and other health emergencies, including refugees.
- Inter Action – Migrations and Refugees Unit – an organization that aids refugees by providing an avenue for humanitarian assistance.
- The Sphere Project: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response – an international project to establish guidelines related to refugee health care. These guidelines ensure that refugees and other victims of disasters receive the proper health care and other assistance they need.
- HealthRight International – an organization of volunteer doctors. These doctors bring medical programs and health services to refugees and other people in need.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC) – provides emergency relief, help with relocating, and post-conflict development.
- International Centre for Migration and Health (ICMH) – advances research, training, and advocacy work related to migrant and refugee health and welfare.
