Assessing the Health Needs of the Burmese and Bhutanese Refugees in South Philadelphia

Authors

Patricia Tolu-Ajayi, Center for Urban Health, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2-5-2013

Comments

Advisors: Dr Rickie Brawer, Dr James Plumb

Abstract

While refugees initially receive government aid (eg, Refugee Medical Assistance) upon arrival to the US, they often have unresolved medical concerns that persist beyond their initial period of government assistance (8 Months). To address these unmet health needs, Refugee Health Partners at Thomas Jefferson University started a free clinic targeting refugees from Bhutan and Burma living in South Philadelphia. An important finding from this clinic was that many refugees do not utilize the health care system, regardless of insurance status. Consequently, it is not known what health and social issues are most prevalent.

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