From Southeast Asia to Southeast United States: An Action-Oriented Community Diagnosis of the Burmese refugee community in Central North Carolina

Background/Purpose: Unbeknownst to many living in the U.S, 4,689 Burmese refugees resettled here between 1996 and 2005. With an expected 3,000 Burmese refugees arriving between 2006-2007, many states must target their efforts specifically towards refugee health and acculturation processes. Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC is home to a small but vibrant community of Burmese refugees, whom have escaped political persecution in Burma and subsequent life in Thai refugee camps. Comprised of two ethnic groups (Burmese and Karen), this community has unique needs stemming from their recent history and resettlement process. This paper will present the findings from a community diagnosis of this refugee population. Methods: An Action-Oriented Community Diagnosis (AOCD) was conducted with the Burmese refugee community in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC over seven months. Data collection included: participant observations, transcripts from approximately 40 interviews conducted with Burmese refugees and community service providers, and secondary data from historical archives, technical documents, and websites. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using Atlas TI software. Coded reports were analyzed, and in collaboration with the community, themes relating to the community's strengths and needs were identified. Results/Implications: Preliminary results indicated that key issues affecting the community's welfare were: language barriers, access to community services, and cultural competency. These barriers are thought to have significant effects on Burmese refugee health. The AOCD process resulted in collaboration between service providers and community members, leading to increased community capacity to address their own needs. The community then gathered at a forum where they formulated action steps to address key issues.