Refugee Health and Assistance
The Refugee Health program in Minnesota was initiated in response to the Federal Refugee Act of 1980, which created a uniform system of services for refugees across the United States. The Act entitled all newly arriving refugees to a comprehensive health assessment as soon as possible following arrival.
Refugees may undergo two or three medical examinations as part of their process of emigration. Initially, an overseas health screen is conducted prior to departure to the US to ensure that refugees seeking to enter the US do not have a health condition that would create a social or economic burden to the United States.
Once a refugee enters the US through the Quarantine Station / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC notifies the respective state's department of health. In Minnesota, assuring coordination of refugee screenings is the responsibility of a refugee health coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Copies of the overseas exam are forwarded to the MDH refugee health coordinator. These forms are reviewed by MDH TB staff and Refugee Health program staff to identify conditions that may need immediate attention. MDH then processes the forms and notifies Stearns County of a refugee locating to the county.
Public health nursing staff work with new refugees to identify a medical provider, and with the clinic to establish an appointment date and assure the refugee has the necessary resources to complete this assessment (transportation, interpreter). Once the assessment is completed, the provider mails back the information to the public health nurse, who notes any necessary follow up needed, assures that follow up is completed, and returns the forms to MDH.
Stearns County Human Services, Public Health Division, is obligated to:
• Assist MDH in provider education regarding protocols
• Verify completion of health assessments
• Submit forms to MDH
• Reports outcomes of screenings to MDH
For more information about immunizations and referrals to obtain a VISA or green card, call 1.800.450.5893 or 320.203.6942.
Other links for refugees:
Minnesota Department of Health web site: www.health.state.mn.us/
U.S. Committee for Refugees: www.refugees.org/