 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Kristin Borntrager, BSN, MaryJo Belcher, BSN, Cindy Gilbert, BSN, Kelley Murphy, BSN, and Carolyn Kelly, BSN. School of Nursing, Indiana University, 1111 Middle Dr., Environments for Health, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317-298-9030, kborntra@iupui.edu
A critical need exists to understand strengths and vulnerabilities of recent refugee groups in the United States to provide community leaders and health care providers with the information they need to support these communities. The Dimensions Model of Community Health Nursing was used to assess this small community in Indianapolis, Indiana. Community priorities that have been identified include maintaining their cultural values and traditions, family and community cohesiveness, and human rights and religious freedom. The Chin people of Indianapolis, IN are a quiet and dignified people who have struggled to escape the atrocities of a powerful military junta in order to preserve the essence of their community and culture. Through the strength found in their spiritual beliefs and principles, the Chin have been able to create a new life for themselves in the United States. They have struggled with language barriers, cultural differences, and geographical changes and have yet maintained their “Chin-ness” and desire to live their lives to the glory of God. This presentation will highlight the issues and barriers identified through a formal community assessment of a Chin-Burmese population in Indianapolis, IN. Assets and strengths of the community are documented. Areas of prioritized needs and focuses of prevention will also be offered.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Refugees, Needs Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.