Refugee Health Program
The Refugee Health Program (RHP) provides newly arrived refugees with a health screening to serve as an entry point into the U.S. health system, prevent the transmission of communicable disease to the public, and ensure follow-up for conditions that could affect their well-being or impede their ability to effectively resettle.
The RHP works closely with the State Refugee Coordinator in the NM Human Services Department. We also work with Catholic Charities, the sole voluntary agency that receives refugees in NM, and federal agencies including the Office of Refugee Resettlement in the Health and Human Services Department, the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and US Citizenship and Immigration Service.
Who We Serve
We serve newly arrived refugees from all over the world. In 2008, the majority of refugees originated from Iraq, followed by Cuba. Many others came from a variety of countries in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Program Components
In collaboration with local public health offices, other public and private healthcare providers, community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations we provide:
General health screening that includes testing for tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis B and C, and some chronic conditions for all newly arrived refugees, and immigrants with refugee-like status (i.e. Cuban/Haitian entrants, victims of human trafficking, or asylum seekers);
Vaccinations following national recommendations;
Referrals for follow-up for any acute and/or chronic health conditions encountered during the general health screening; and
A mental health assessment when found necessary during the general screening.
In collaboration with Catholic Charities, we also ensure that refugees receive:
Interpreter services during the health screening and mental health assessment in person (when available) or by telephone; and
Translations for essential documents, such as mental health disclosure for treatment form
RESOURCES AND LINKS
Refugee Health Program 2011 Legislative Session
Refugee Health Information Network
HHS, Office of Refugee Resettlement Homepage
Catholic Charities’ Refugee Settlement Program
NM HSD refugee resettlement fact sheet
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine homepage
Minnesota DOH Translated Health Materials
- Infectious Disease Programs
- Harm Reduction Program
- HIV Prevention Program
- HIV/AIDS Treatment & Services
- Hepatitis Prevention Program
- Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention
- Immunization Program
- Medical Cannabis Program
- STD Prevention Program
- Tuberculosis Program
- Refugee Health Program
Amber E. Gray, MPH, MA, LPCC, LPC, ADTR, NCC
Refugee Mental Health Coordinator
Southeast Heights Public Health Office
7525 Zuni SE
Albuquerque NM 87123
(505) 841- 8928
(505) 603-7021 (cell)
amber@ecentral.com
Amber.Gray@state.nm.us