California has historically been the largest recipient of refugees entering the United States. It is estimated that one in every 50 persons living in California is a refugee. Health information reported indicated that over 72% of arriving refugees were assessed with one or more health conditions that require treatment.
As a result of the multiple refugee communities throughout the state, and the health problems identified, California elected to implement a more comprehensive health assessment offered to arriving refugees. The primary goal of the revised health assessment is to improve the health of refugees. The revised Health Assessment will begin in April 2000.
Information obtained from the health assessment will be submitted electronically using a newly introduced Refugee Health Electronic Information System (RHEIS). The RHEIS is an Internet-based database system that will capture health assessment data reported and improve the identification of health problems by specific refugee populations.
California is the first state in the nation proposing to collect electronically transmitted data for refugee arrivals. This information would be the most comprehensive, uniform, and accurate data available on refugees. Transmission of data will seed refugee databases instantly and may be utilized by multiple participating refugee health providers on a “real time” basis”. This system will greatly improve the level of information available to California and the nation. This project is being monitored for its possible uses to transport health information internationally for other projects. This information will guide future refugee health policy and planning activities.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn about California challenges with refugee populations. Will address specific issues and problems. Will present solution by introducing revised assessment tool and electronic data transfer project
Keywords: Health Education Strategies, Public Health Education and Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.