The Colorado Refugee Services Program and Colorado Department of Human Services partner with Denver Health to provide newly arriving refugee families and identified individuals seeking asylum with a refugee health screening within 90 days of their arrival in the United States to achieve the following:
- Ensure follow-up of Class A & B health conditions identified overseas (TB, HIV, mental health issues, etc).
- Identify persons with communicable diseases of potential public health importance and provide treatment.
- Identify personal health conditions that adversely impact effective resettlement (e.g. job placement, language training or school attendance) and provide treatment.
Refugee Health Screening
The refugee health screening may include the following testing, evaluation and education, depending on risk assessment performed by a trained clinician:
- Review of present and past medical history, medications, and family and social histories
- Nutrition assessment
- Mental health assessment
- Complete physical exam, including vision and hearing screening
- Pregnancy testing/evaluation, as needed
- Dental screening
- Lab testing, as clinically indicated - tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis B & C, complete blood count and differential, lead, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, urinalysis, newborn screen and thyroid function testing
- Birth control options
- Health education and teaching regarding how to access health care and expectations for follow-up
- Referrals to sub-specialists, as needed
Health Education
Each family receives education on how to use their Medicaid benefits, obtain prescribed medications, learn the name of their primary care provider and how to schedule appointments for physicals, sick visits and vaccinations, depending on need. Transportation options for medical appointments will also be reviewed. Patients are also provided information on community resources available, including support groups. Clients receiving a screening through the Refugee Medical Screening Program will be referred to a primary care clinic, based on where they live, for ongoing healthcare needs.