The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40406

Laura Hardcastle, BA, Refugee Health Section, California Department of Health Services, 601 N. 7th Street, MS 508, PO Box 942732, MS 508, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320, 916-327-3052, lhardcas@dhs.ca.gov

Since the time we first reported on the development and implementation of the California Department of Health Services’, Refugee Health Section (CDHS/RHS) Refugee Health Electronic Information System (RHEIS), one of the most comprehensive, uniform and accurate data systems available on refugees several enhancements have been made to the system. Also new methods of disseminating the data have been developed.

It is estimated that one in every 40 Californians (approximately 701,000 individuals) is a refugee, making California the largest recipient of refugees entering the United States. RHEIS has improved the identification of health problems by specific refugee populations in California. Health information collected through RHEIS indicated that over 72% of arriving refugees were assessed with one or more health conditions. RHEIS is also collecting arrival data on primary and secondary migrants such as country of origin, gender and age. This data is now being utilized to provide real-time information to local health jurisdictions (LHJ’s) and VOLAGS.

CDHS/RHS is in the process of making the information available to LHJ’s and VOLAGS via the CDHGS/RHS webpage for real-time usage. The data is being used for reporting purposes, program planning, and problem solving. RHEIS may soon eliminate many duplicate reports that LHJ’s and VOLAGS have been submitting to CDHS/RHS and other Sections and Branches of the Department, such as Tuberculosis Control.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants woll be able to describe what RHEIS is and what it contributes to the California Dept. of Hralth Refugee Health program.
• Participants will be able t identify three ways in which RHEIS data is used to improve care for refugees.

Keywords: Refugees,

Related Web page: www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/RefugeeHealth/index.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California Department of Health Services, Refugee Health Section
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.