Refugee Health Program: About Refugee Health and the Program

Alternative Immigration Pathways and Welcome Corps

In the past, refugee resettlement programs have been the only path for immigrants to arrive in Wisconsin. Watch a recording (opens external video) of Savitri Tsering, Wisconsin's Refugee Health Coordinator, present on two new immigration pathways that have welcomed newcomers to Wisconsin since 2021.

About the Refugee Health Program

Wisconsin’s Refugee Health Program works with refugee resettlement agencies, local health departments, and private health care providers. Together they:

  • Make sure refugees receive a full health exam when they get to the U.S.
  • Coordinate refugee health screenings with federal and state resettlement partners.
  • Help screening providers understand the health needs of refugee populations.
  • Support culturally informed care. Advocate for the use of qualified medical interpreters.
  • Coordinate refugee health concerns with other programs within the Division of Public Health (DPH).

People who can get the health screening include:

  • Refugees.
  • Asylees.
  • Cuban/Haitian entrants.
  • Victims of trafficking.
  • Amerasians.
  • Afghan or Ukrainian humanitarian parolees.
  • Special Immigrant Visa holders.
Silhouette of two hands reaching towards each other

Who are refugees?

A refugee is defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention as "someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion."

What is refugee health?

Refugee health includes all the unique barriers and solutions to quality care for refugees. It also means making sure those who resettle in the U.S. access recommended medical care.

Before getting to the U.S, refugees must have an overseas panel physician exam. Refugees also have an initial refugee medical screening shortly after getting to the U.S. This is different from the exam that refugees have overseas. Upon arrival, refugees go through the process of:

  • Obtaining refugee medical screening.
  • Finding temporary and long-term care and health insurance.
  • Learning about language and cultural differences.
  • Identifying and treating health complications specific to the refugee experience (e.g., trauma, disruption of care, etc.).

Refugee health care requires specialized efforts. These efforts help to ensure health equity for those who resettle in our country. In Wisconsin, this includes providing:

  • Trauma- and culturally informed care.
  • Oral health promotion.
  • Support for victims of human trafficking and female genital mutilation.

Who to contact for help

Questions?

Last revised May 21, 2025