Oral

This panel will focus on the health status, health care needs and health care utilization of immigrant groups in the United States. Barriers to access of health care will be addressed. Examples of such issues on control, prevention and surveillance of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and sexually transmissible infections and on chronic disease management such as diabetes mellitus (Type II) will be highlighted. The urgent need to address health disparities for immigrants in access to health care will be presented along with implications for health policy. This session would provide an excellent overview of the growing needs for appropriate health care for recent immigrants to the United States.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify why health care needs of recent immigrants need to be considered a high priority for action. 2. Specify measures that need to be taken to increase access to health care in the future for immigrant groups.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)