Care Facilitation
• Bhutanese Refugees and B12 Deficiency: MMWR recently posted an article on this topic. See a link to the full text here: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6328a3.htm?s_cid=mm6328a3_e
Partnership and Training
• Bhutanese Mental Health Conference in Harrisburg: In June, 120 Bhutanese community leaders from throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states participated in a two day conference in Harrisburg focused on mental health needs of the community. The conference was presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania Refugee Health Program, the Office of Refugee Resettlement and SAMHSA. Please see slides from the presentations here:
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training: Temple University’s Center for Social Policy and Community Development will be hosting a training session on Friday, August 8th and 15th from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Tuttleman Building, Room 303, 1800 North 13th Street (northeast corner of 13th and Montgomery), Philadelphia, PA. Note: Attendance is required at both days, in order to receive a 3 year national certification and free manual. MHFA is a national early intervention and public education program, made free to Philadelphians through the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). During this training, you will learn the 5 Step ALGEE action plan, which is administered until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis is resolved. You will be able to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental illnesses or substance use disorders. Seating is limited, so register early for this FREE training via www.HealthyMindsPhilly.org. For more info: call (215) 790-4996.
Best Practices
• Working with Refugees with PTSD: National Partnership for Community Training recently published an information guide on Working with Refugees with PTSD. The guide can be found here:
The information guide is based on a webinar of the same topic available here: http://gulfcoastjewishfamilyandcommunityservices.org/refugee/2014/06/17/working-with-refugees-with-ptsd/
Advocacy
• Successes and Challenges from the 1st ACA Open Enrollment: The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has recently published a report that highlights the successes and lessons learned from the 1st open enrollment period. The full report can be found here: http://icirr.org/content/affordable-care-act-reflection-immigrant-access-illinois
• Uninsured Patients: Please make sure to educate yourself and your clinic staff on refugees transitioning off Refugee Medical Assistance after 8 months. Check out the following resources on the PRHC website:
o Affordable Care Act information – Available to clients who have recently lost insurance and meet income guidelines: http://philarefugeehealth.org/?page_id=1383
o Information for Uninsured Patients – http://philarefugeehealth.org/?page_id=14#2
