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Immigrant Policy Project

 

State and Local Immigrant and Refugee Offices

 

 

AL

AK

AZ

AR

CA

CO

CT

DE

DC

FL

GA

HI

ID

IL

IN

IA

KS

KY

LA

ME

MD

MA

MI

MN

MS

MO

MT

NE

NV

NH

NJ

NM

NY

NC

ND

OH

OK

OR

PA

RI

SC

SD

TN

TX

UT

VT

VA

WA

WV

WI

WY

 

 


State


Immigration Office                                  


Description


Website

 

 

 

 

Alabama

Refugee Resettlement Program

ORR website: Jana Curran, Wilson/Fish Coordinator, Refugee Resettlement Program

 

                                                                                             

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/partners/coordina1.htm

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Alaska

Office of Citizenship Assistance

Provides services to legal immigrants directly and also through referral to other state, federal, or private agencies. Provides translation services, computers to use for accessing USCIS for forms and information and for job-searching purposes, job referrals, assistance with claims against employers, listings of ESL classes, job training programs, and adult school programs.

http://www.labor.state.ak.us/OCA/home.htm

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Arkansas

Refugee Resettlement Program, Division of County Operations, Department of Health

The Refugee Resettlement Program assists newly arrived eligible refugees to assimilate into the American way of life.  The program offers financial and medical services to eligible refugees for up to 8 months after arrival in the United States.

http://www.arkansas.gov/dhhs/dco/NewDCO/Refugee%20resettle%20page.html

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Arizona

Refugee Resettlement Program

Through the coordination of public and private resources, the Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP) promotes successful refugee resettlement through contracts and direct services that effectively use social services formula and discretionary, targeted assistance, and cash and medical assistance grants to best enable refugees to achieve social and economic self-sufficiency. This program is federally funded through the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

http://www.de.state.az.us/csa/programs/refugee/default.asp

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California

Refugee Programs Bureau

Provides state level leadership for government run refugee resettlement programs and coordination with non-governmental agencies that serve refugees. Government programs for refugees run through this office include: Refugee Social Services and Targeted Assistance programs provide employment and training services; Refugee Discretionary Programs provide services to specialized refugee populations, such as the elderly; and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) provides cash aid to needy refugees for up to eight months after arrival in the U.S.

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/refugeeprogram/RefugeeSer_56.htm

 

Office of Immigrant Assistance, Office of the Attorney General

Provides education and outreach services to the immigrant communities in an effort to protect the rights of Immigrants as consumers and workers. Also serves a coordinating function by directing complaints to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and by helping the immigrant community to understand and use the legal system to seek redress.

http://ag.ca.gov/immigrant/?PHPSESSID=9e2c1d64aebd00be715f487e74122e37

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Colorado

Colorado Refugee Services Program, Department of Human Services

Federally funded through the Office of Refugee Resettlement, this program provides several categories of services: employment (job development, referral, placement, resume assistance, etc.), case managements, social services (counseling, interpretation, acculturation, mental health services, elder services), transitional cash assistance, medical assistance, education (ESL, vocational), community development, services coordination (with private and voluntary agencies), and administrative.

http://stateboard.cdhs.state.co.us/oss/Refugee/
refugee_services_program.htm

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Connecticut

Refugee Health Program, Connecticut Office of Refugee Resettlement, Department of Public Health

A component of Connecticut’s Office of Refugee Resettlement which provides annual report on refugees to the Department of Social Services. Provides health assessments for refugees arriving in Connecticut, coordinates treatment of conditions with public health significance and personal health problems. Provides information about health-related counseling programs on family planning, nutrition, and/or prenatal care.

http://www.dph.state.ct.us/BCH/infectiousdise/tbrefuge.htm

 

Energy, Weatherization and Refugee Services; Aging, Community and Social Work Services Bureau; Department of Social Services

no description

phone number only
http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2345&q=304886

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Delaware

Refugee Cash Assistance, Division of Social Services

Delaware contracts with Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) for social services statewide.  Refugees must achieve self-sufficiency and social adjustment as quickly as possible; intense social services are provided to meet this goal. These social services include employment services, English as a second language, literacy, counseling, enculturation, and case management services as needed.

http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/refast.html

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Florida

Florida Refugee Health Program, Department of Health

Funded through the Office of Refugee Resettlement, this program provides culturally-sensitive health assessment and immunization services for refugees.

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Disease_ctrl/refugee/index.html

 

State Refugee Coordinator

The secretary of the Department of Children and Families, responsible for administrative and operational coordination of federally funded refugee and immigration-related services, federal immigration policy, and efforts to obtain and maintain federal funding. The function of Refugee Services is to provide assistance to refugees of all nationalities and Cuban and Haitian entrants including support services in the following areas: adult education, case management, child care, crime victimization, eligibility training, employability, employment, health services, interpreter services, mental health, trafficking victims, unaccompanied refugee minor program, youth services.

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/refugee/pdf/programdesc.pdf

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Georgia

State of Georgia Refugee Health Program, Division of Public Health, Department of Human Resources

Provides health screening to newly arrived refugees and administers immunizations. Provides translation during health screening and follow-ups as well as for documents and consent forms in ten languages (Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, May-Maay, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Swahili, and Vietnamese). Also undertakes an outreach function through home visits to ensure compliance of medical treatment plans.

http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/publications/factsheets/refugeeHealth.pdf

 

Refugee Resettlement Program

Funded through the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, this program provides employment, health screening, medical, cash, and social services assistance to refugees. Coordinates programs for refugees funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement with other governmental programs and with private sector activities such as job development and placement activities; training opportunities provided by business and industry; as well as support service activities sponsored by religious and civic organizations and a consortia of voluntary agencies. 

http://dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-DFCS/menuitem.5d32235bb09bde9a50c8798dd03036a0/?vgnextoid=1dca2b48d9a4ff00VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD

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Hawaii

Office of Community Services, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

OCS primarily contracts and administers program services for immigrants and refugees on behalf of the State and Federal governments. Services are in several categories: employment (preparation, job search/acquisition/maintenance, family support, self-employment assistance), legal services (case assessment, community education, legal advice/advocacy/representation for immigrants with problems in immigration law, discrimination or public assistance), and youth services (collaboration with schools, bilingual assistance, study/social skills, employment preparation for older youth).

http://hawaii.gov/labor/ocs/index.shtml

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Idaho

Idaho Office for Refugees

Manages the federally funded state program for refugee resettlement.

http://www.idahorefugees.org/

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Illinois

Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services, Department of Human Services

Provides health services, citizenship education and application services, and outreach and interpretation services through several different programs. The Refugee Program procures community-based services which include adjustment counseling, orientation, English as a Second Language, vocational training, job readiness, and job placement. Bilingual mental health services are provided for those refugees who experienced severe trauma and require therapy. The Refugee and Immigrant Citizenship Initiative provides ESL, civics, US History instruction, and application services. Works with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights which provides interpretation services for Department of Health transactions.

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/ts/FamilySupportServices/RIS/

 

Immigrant Assistance Program, Attorney General

Established to ensure that the state government is aware of the needs of Illinois' immigrant population and the barriers which may prevent immigrants from seeking and obtaining government services. The Immigrant Assistance Program involves the coordination of the provision of services by the Office of the Attorney General and provision of referrals to other government agencies as appropriate.

http://www.ag.state.il.us/rights/immigrant.html

 

Governor's Office of New Americans Policy and Advocacy

This office works with a interdepartmental task force to examine how each state department can systematically address the rapidly changing demographics and assist immigrant and refugee newcomers to become integrated into Illinois society. This Office  also monitors the federal debate on immigration policy and informs/advises the Governor on immigration policy issues. The Office assists in the work of the New Americans Immigrant Policy Council which is made up of 15 persons from the business, faith, labor, civic, and philanthropic communities. The policy council will meet for two years to study speeding the acquisition of English and U.S. citizenship, education, healthcare, human services, police - community cooperation, entrepreneurship and workforce development, and home ownership and housing and develop a set of practical, concrete recommendations for State action.

description of office from Naleo website:
http://www.icirr.org/naeo.htm

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Indiana

none

 

 

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Iowa

Bureau of Refugee Services, Department of Human Services

The State of Iowa/Bureau of Refugee Services is one of ten voluntary agencies contracted to the U.S. Department of State to resettle refugees and is the only state given this status.  Provides two main categories of services: social services and employment services.

http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/refugee/default.htm

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Kansas

Refugee Program, Department of Health and Environment

Part of the Kansas Refugee Resettlement Program and funded by multiple sources: DHHS, Medicaid, and State grant funds. Coordinates health screenings and ensures follow-up evaluation, treatment, and referral of identified conditions.

http://www.kdheks.gov/olrh/RefugeeOverview.htm

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Kentucky

Hispanic Services, Department of Labor

Offers services in order to reduce the number of on-the-job accidents and fatalities among Hispanic and to reduce liabilities to employers of Hispanic workers. Develops outreach programs to raise awareness and understanding among Hispanics of state and federal workplace safety laws and the wage and hour regulatory system and to make Hispanic workers aware of their rights and responsibilities as employees, regardless of legal status. Also educates employers on understanding cultural differences.

http://www.labor.ky.gov/hispanicservices/

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Louisiana

Refugee Program, Office of Community Services, Department of Social Services

Uses federal grants to fund the Refugee Case Assistance, Refugee Medical Assistance, Refugee Social Services, and Discretionary Projects programs which provide the following services: case assistance, medical assistance, employment services, ESL, and social adjustment services.

http://dss.louisiana.gov/departments/ocs/Refugee.html

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Maine

Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Services, Department of Health and Human Services

Provides language services for interaction with the department of Health and Human services and maintains resources lists of various agencies who work with immigrants and refugees

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/bds/mhservices/MulticulturalResource/
Contents.html

 

Migrant and Immigrant Services, Department of Labor

Coordinates services for migrant and foreign workers in Maine. This ensures that migrant and foreign workers obtain necessary services and employers get help hiring these workers. The Department also promotes awareness of the needs of migrant and immigrant workers throughout Maine. The State Monitor Advocate monitors agricultural employers for compliance with the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Also, migrant workers can contact the Hotline for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers to find out about farm work or nonagricultural employment. Migrant workers can also get assistance with obtaining a variety of services, including health care, shelter, food and clothing or educational opportunities. Workers who do not speak English can request assistance obtaining appointments with social service and health care providers.

http://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/mig_imm_svs.html

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Maryland

Maryland Office for New Americans, Department of Human Resources

Working through a public/private network of  service providers, MONA plans, administers, and coordinates transitional services for refugees. Programs include: Refugee Resettlement Program (Provides cash, medical assistance, and social services to refugees),  Refugee Health Screening, Refugee Employment Services, Refugee English Language Instruction, Health Literacy Program (purpose is to enhance health literacy among refugee women who serve as intermediaries between their families and the American medical system, but often have poor English skills), Refugee Youth Program, Older Refugee Project, Public Private Partnership (brings together the local affiliates of national resettlement agencies, local department of social services staff and others), and the Citizenship Promotion Program. 

http://www.dhr.state.md.us/mona/index.htm

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Massachusetts

Refugee and Immigrant Health Program, Office of Multicultural Health, Department of Public Health

Goal is to control communicable diseases among refugees and newly arrived immigrants and to improve the general health status of the State's refugee populations. Program components include: notification by the US Public Health Service Quarantine of all arriving refugees and subsequent notification of local health departments to facilitate follow-up, health assessments, and outreach/interpretation/follow-up.

http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/rhip/wwwrihp.htm

 

Office of Refugees and Immigrants, Department of Health and Human Services

ORI administers the federally funded Massachusetts refugee resettlement program. Programs include Elder Refugee Services, Social Services through Refugee Community Organizations (ORI provides funding and technical assistance), Refugee health, Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program, Wilson/Fish Alternative Project (employment and post-placement support services), Refugee School Impact Grants (tutoring, parent outreach), Citizenship for New Americans Program, and the Mutual Assistance Association Coalition of Massachusetts (coalition of refugee community organizations).

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2agencylanding&L=4&L0=Home&L1=
Government&L2=
Departments+and+Divisions&L3=
Office+for+Refugees+and+Immigrants&sid=
Eeohhs2

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Michigan

Migrant Services, Department of Human Services

The lead state department for services to migrant agricultural farmworkers and their family. Analyzes and recommends favorable interpretation of policies and procedures that impact the migrant. Coordinates training of bilingual Migrant Program staff, advocates for migrants with regards to proposed federal and state legislation. Offices are located in and serve the most migrant-populated counties.

http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5452_7124_
7205-15629--,00.html

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Minnesota

Immigrant Health Task Force, Department of Health

The Task Force consisted of over 80 representatives from the state’s public, private, non-profit academic and health care sectors, many of them also first-generation immigrants to the state and met every two months from July 2002 to July 2004, with the following mission: “To promote quality, comprehensive and culturally competent health care for all recent immigrant communities, by effecting change in statewide health delivery systems.” They recommended eight steps to improve immigrant health: equal access to care, assess language preference and healthcare organizations’ capacity to provide appropriate care, equitable payment, clinical guidelines/best practices, diversity the healthcare workforce, use trained interpreters, use bilingual and bicultural community health workers, train and educate healthcare providers and immigrant patients.

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/refugee/immigrant/index.html

 

Refugee Health Program, Department of Health

Works with local health departments and private health care providers to offer each new refugee arrival a comprehensive screening examination, including appropriate follow-up or referral.

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/refugee/index.html

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Mississippi

none

 

 

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Missouri

Refugee Resettlement Program, Department of Social Services

Goal is to promote economic self-sufficiency within the shortest possible time after a refugee's entrance into the state through the planned and coordinated use of support services, with cash and medical assistance as transitional aid where necessary, to achieve the self-sufficiency goal.

http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/refug.htm

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Montana

Refugee Assistance Program, Human and Community Services Division, Department of Public Health and Human Services

Federally funded, this department contracts with the Refugee Assistance Corporation (a private corporation) to provide services to refugees. All staff are bilingual, bicultural, and former refugees. Services include: language translation and interpretation, referrals for English classes and tutoring, transportation to appointments, orientation to American life-style, job development, skill building courses, and assistance with Immigration and naturalization forms.

(no website)

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Nebraska

Office of Minority Health, Department of Health and Human Services

Represents and advances the interests of people of color for the purpose of reducing the disparity that exists between the health status of racial/ethnic minorities and non-minorities in Nebraska and addresses health disparities for Native Americans, refugees, and newly-arrived immigrants. Central issues are to improve access to health services for racial/ethnic minorities; improve data collection strategies; increase racial/ethnic minority representation in science and health professions; develop relevant and comprehensive research agenda; and expand community-based health promotion and disease prevention outreach efforts. 

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/omh/

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Nevada

none

 

 

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New Hampshire

Refugee Program, Office of Energy and Planning

Provides federally funded services to refugees through two agencies, Lutheran Social Services of New Hampshire and the International Institute of New Hampshire. Services include: case Management (housing, healthcare, referrals and general support services), Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), English as a Second Language, Employment Services, and Preventive Health.

http://www.nh.gov/oep/programs/refugee/index.htm

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New Jersey

Office of Refugee and Immigrant Services, Division of Family Development, Department of Human Services

ORR website: Refugee and Immigrant Services, Office of Refugee and Immigrant Services, New Jersey Division of Family Development

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/partners/coordina1.htm

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New Mexico

none

 

 

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New York

RMA Health Assessment Program, Department of Health

Seeks applications from qualified licensed health care providers/agencies located throughout New York State (exclusive of New York City) to provide health assessments for new refugee arrivals to the state. The refugee health assessment is designed to: identify individuals with health conditions not observed during or developing after the overseas exam; initiate appropriate immunizations; ensure refugees with problems identified are referred to primary and specialty care; eliminate barriers to successful resettlement and protect the health of the US population.

http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/phforum/notices/rfa/rma/
refugeemedicalassistance.htm

 

Office of Refugee and Immigrant Services, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

The single state agency responsible for the implementation of services to refugees and for the administration of programs targeted at immigrants. Consists of four units providing ongoing technical assistance and funding for newcomer services: the Refugee Services Unit (focuses on refugee populations, supports the state and federal contracts for assistance to refugees and others eligible for refugee services), the Immigrant Community Liaison Unit (provides community liaisons to ethnic communities across the state), the Language Services Unit, and the Newcomer Transition Unit (supports the state’s Citizenship Initiative and the New York Immigration Hotline contracts, analyzes new immigrant-related legislation, oversees research efforts, coordinates state program and policy development for non-refugee immigrants on matters related to their integration into the larger community, and provides monthly updates on new refugee arrivals and newcomers served).

http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/oris/default.htm

  Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs was originally created in 1984 by the Department of City Planning to help newcomers adapt to life in New York City.  The office now is part of the Mayor’s office and became a cabinet-level office in 1996.  Its mission is to encourage the full and active participation of immigrant New Yorkers in the political, economic, social and civic life of the city.  The Office also works to ensure that the needs of immigrant communities are being served through linguistically and culturally competent services.   http://www.nyc.gov/html/imm/home.html

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North Carolina

State Refugee Coordinator, Division of Social Services

Administers two programs: refugee cash assistance and refugee medical assistance. In addition, local departments of social services and private service agencies contracted with the state provide specialized services including: English classes, employment services, translation and interpreter services, transportation, social adjustment services, emergency and health-related services, and vocational training and skills recertification services.

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/refugee/index.htm

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North Dakota

Refugee Resettlement Program, Children and Family Services Division, Department of Human Services

This federally funded program is currently contracted to Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota. The program provides services (including ESL courses, vocational assessment and training, employment services, medical screening, self-sufficiency services, and case management), cash assistance, and medical assistance.

http://www.nd.gov/humanservices/services/childfamily/refugees/

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Ohio

Ohio Refugee Services Program

ORR website: Ohio Refugee Services Program

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/partners/coordina1.htm

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Oklahoma

Refugee Assistance Unit, Family Support Services Division, Department of Human Services

This unit implements federal policy for Refugee Medical Assistance and works with county staff on policy and procedures. This unit also coordinates with Oklahoma Catholic Charities for the provision of Refugee Cash Assistance and monitors contracts for employment, English language and social adjustment services.

http://www.okdhs.org/divisionsoffices/hsc/fssd/ref/

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Oregon

Office of Multicultural Health

The Office of Multicultural Health plays a strong leadership role in helping the Oregon Health Services focus attention on communities of color, Indian tribal governments, and other multicultural groups. Contains the Oregon Health Interpreter Council wto assist the Department of Health to establish standards relating to health care interpreters for persons with limited English proficiency. Also contains the Committee on Migrant & Seasonal Farmworker Health to provide an on-going forum for the broad spectrum of agencies, organizations and parities interested in migrant & seasonal farmworker health issues, in order to exchange information; research areas of interest; and identify emerging issues, concerns and solutions and to bring them to the attention of appropriate agencies and policy makers.

http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/omh/index.shtml

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Pennsylvania

Refugee Program, Department of Public Welfare

Services are provided through contracts with local providers and is funded through federal grants. Services available include target assistance programs (in areas identified as highly impacted by resettlement—Philadelphia and Erie County), Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program, Older Refugee Grant, Preventative Health Grant, and Mental Health Services Grant.

http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/Family/ProgImmigrantsRefugees/
003670193.htm

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Rhode Island

Refugee Health Program, Department of Health

This program has three main components: coordination of care (between refugee resettlement agencies, state programs, health/social service providers), education and training for medical providers who work with refugees, and maintenance of a database to track refugee health for planning and reporting purposes. The State Coordinator of Refugee Resettlement manages contracts for these services.

http://www.health.ri.gov/chew/refugee/program.php

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South Carolina

Hispanic Worker Safety Task Force, Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

The Task Force is charged with evaluating the situation in South Carolina and coming up with ways to help employers make their worksites safer for Hispanics. The task force is made up of representatives from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) and LLR’s OSHA office, industry leaders, safety experts and Hispanic leaders. The Task Force has identified best practices, runs a website and provides training to Hispanic workers in their language.

http://www.llr.state.sc.us/HispanicTaskForce/

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South Dakota

Refugee Medical Assistance Program, Department of Social Services

Provides medical assistance for the first 8 months a refugee is in the united states.

http://dss.sd.gov/medicaleligibility/newarrivals/

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Tennessee

Refugee Social Services Program, Department of Human Resources

Federally funded through ORR, this program is administered through contracts with local refugee social service agencies. Program activities include: English language training, social adjustment activities, and employment programs.

http://tennessee.gov/humanserv/adfam/afs_rs.htm

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Texas

Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs, Department of Human Services

With federal funding through the Office of Refugee Resettlement, provides temporary cash assistance, medical assistance for refugees who have lived in the United States for eight months or less, and social services to eligible refugees who have lived in the United States for five years or less. Other special projects (funded by federal discretionary grants) include the unaccompanied minors program, the refugee health screening program,  and LEP training and education programs.

http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/programs/refugee/index.html

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Utah

Center for Multicultural Health, Department of Health

The mission is to promote accessible and high-quality programs and policies that help all racial and ethnic minorities in Utah achieve optimal health which is accomplished through increasing public and health professional awareness of persistent race/ethnic disparities and by developing effective health policies and culturally competent programs that lead to better access and utilization of quality health care services in Utah. Current priority multicultural groups include: Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian.

http://www.health.utah.gov/cmh/aboutCMH.html

 

Utah Office of Ethnic Affairs, Department of Community and Culture

The Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) has promoted policies that support attitudes, behaviors, and skills necessary for State Staff to work respectfully and effectively in a culturally diverse society. Maintains a list of refugee assistance providers and resettlement agencies. Contains Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Black, and Pacific Islander advisory councils.

http://ethnicoffice.utah.gov/community_resources/refugees.html

 

Utah Refugee Resettlement Program, Department of Workforce Services

The objective of the Refugee Resettlement Program is to provide for the effective resettlement of refugees; and to assist refugees to achieve economic self-sufficiency within the shortest possible time after entrance to the State through employment and acculturation by use of coordinated support services and cash/medical assistance. Provides federally funded Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance.

http://jobs.utah.gov/services/financial/refuge.asp

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Vermont

Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Department of Health

This office provides leadership and collaboration regarding community minority health activities, identifies research and public health issues on the status of minority health and health disparities, ensures that all health policies are inclusive of minority populations, develops health planning strategies and identifies policies to improve the health status of these populations, builds Department capacity to meet the needs of  minority and populations in disease prevention, health promotion, and health care systems, and to close the gap on health disparities, improves the cultural competency of Department staff, works in partnership with communities throughout the state to ensure the issues of minority health are addressed. Communities served include: African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, Latino Americans, American Indians, Refugees, Immigrants, LBGT Vermonters, and Underserved Vermonters.

http://healthvermont.gov/local/mhealth/minority.aspx

 

Refugee Health Program, Division of Community Public Health, Department of Health

Federally funded through ORR, this program promotes the physical and mental well being of refugees. The program collaborates with the state refugee coordinator, community providers, district office nursing staff and the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program, to assure that refugees have access to primary care physicians and obtain a domestic health screening. Epidemiology nurses, working within the district office structure, function as case managers for at-risk refugees, working with the refugee health coordinator and central office staff, as well as with the primary care provider, to assure appropriate treatment of identified health conditions, and to monitor refugee understanding of and compliance with, the prescribed medical regimen. Care is taken to assure services are provided in a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate manner.

http://healthvermont.gov/local/rhealth/refugee.aspx

 

State Refugee Coordinator, Agency of Human Services

The State, through the State Refugee Coordinator, coordinates private and public resources for refugee resettlement and delivery of services to refugees. The State Refugee Coordinator implements the State Plan for Refugee Resettlement, oversees federal grants for refugee services, including refugee medical assistance, refugee social services and refugee children school impact grants.  The Refugee Coordinator works across all State Departments and Agencies and with national, local and community partners to increase collaboration, foster the sharing of information, and maximize resources for the resettlement and successful integration of the refugees into Vermont. 

http://humanservices.vermont.gov/departments/
office-of-the-secretary/state-refugee-coordinator/?searchterm=immigrant

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Virginia

Office of Newcomer Services, Department of Social Services

The Office of Newcomer Services (ONS) is responsible for coordinating, planning, implementing and evaluating Virginia's refugee program. Services and programs provided by the Refugee Resettlement Program include: health screenings; social and support services, including employment assistance and English language training; financial and medical assistance; an unaccompanied minors program for refugee children without parents or guardians; and targeted assistance programs for refugees with particular needs.

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/ons/

 

Virginia Newcomer Health Program, Department of Health

The Newcomer Health Program coordinates and facilitates, with local health departments, the initial health assessments of all newly arriving immigrants with a refugee or asylum status. NHP further coordinates and facilitates the transfer of Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) funds to VDH health districts for these initial health assessment services rendered. The NHP collects data of refugee arrivals, health conditions and outcome of their assessment data. Further using these data the NHP awards small grant funds to districts most heavily impacted. The NHP assures timely notification to local health districts of any newly arrived immigrant or refugee identified with a classified tuberculosis condition. The NHP collects outcome data on aliens with classified tuberculosis conditions.

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/rihp/index.htm

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Washington

Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, Department of Social and Health Services

OSS website: Department of Social and Health Services, Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/partners/coordina1.htm

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West Virginia

none

 

 

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Wisconsin

Refugee Health Program, Department of Health and Family Services

In collaboration with refugee resettlement agencies,  local health departments and private health care providers, the Wisconsin Refugee Program assures all new refugees receive a comprehensive health assessment upon arrival in the US, provides information to public health providers on specific health concerns of various refugee populations, advocates for culturally competent care delivery and the use of qualified medical interpreters for quality assurance, links refugee health concerns with the mission of other programs within the Wisconsin Division of Public Health.

http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/international/refugee/index.htm

 

Migrant, Refugee, and Labor Services, Department of Workforce Development

The Bureau of Migrant, Refugee and Labor Services (BMRLS) creates a focal point to coordinate services to: all foreign born and their families; all migrant workers; and employers who hire foreign and/or Limited English Proficient (LEP) workers. There are three sections: the Migrant Law Enforcement Section (enforces work-condition laws for employers of migrant workers and investigates violation of migrant worker laws), Refugee Services (refugee cash and medical assistance, targeted assistance employment and training program, social services program, BEST program, older refugee program, mental health program, preventive health program, and health screening), and Immigrant Integration (interpreter training, bilingual materials development, faith based partnership grant, jobs/business development program, foreign labor certification).

http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dws/programs/refugees/

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Wyoming

none

 

 

 

 

NOTE: NCSL provides links to other Web sites from time to time for information purposes only. Providing these links does not necessarily indicate NCSL's support or endorsement of the site.

For comments or corrections, please contact Dirk Hegen at dirk.hegen@ncsl.org

Updated January 17, 2007

 

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