The purpose of the Refugee Health Assessment is to quickly detect and treat any communicable diseases in newly arriving refugees. The health assessment also identifies and treats health problems that could keep the refugee from finding a job and independence. Newly arrived refugees are screened primarily in local health departments, where they also receive follow-up treatment or referrals for identified health conditions. Service offerings in local health departments vary slightly from county to county. Refugees may come to live in any county in North Carolina although there are several counties that receive the majority of new arrivals. Parts of the refugee health assessment should be available to any refugee living in any county.

Key service activities include:

• Provide funding to affected local health departments for implementation of appropriate refugee health screenings to newly arrived refugees
• Consultation and technical assistance, monitoring, data collection, and training provided by the state Refugee Health Coordinator to affected local health departments

Persons eligible for this service are refugees and some other immigration statuses (certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, certain Amerasians, asylees, adult victims of severe forms of trafficking, Iraqi/Afghan Special Immigrants and Lawful Permanent Residents who held one of the previously listed statuses prior to adjusting to Lawful Permanent Resident) that are eligible for refugee benefits and services. The Refugee Health office contracts with the top seven local health departments each year (funding is based on previous year arrival numbers, numbers of refugees reported to be screened, and projected future year arrivals). Local health departments may be able to bill Medicaid or Refugee Medical Assistance for the cost of the health assessment. The funding for this service is 100% federal from the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

The service benefits newly arrived refugees and the general population ofNorth Carolina.