Refugee Health Texas

USCRI’s Refugee Health Services was established in 2017 to support and develop health and wellness initiatives for refugees.

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is designated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) as the Texas Medical Replacement Designee (MRD), referred to as Texas Refugee Health Services (TX RHS). Located in Austin, TX, TX RHS administers four statewide programs: Refugee Medical Assistance, Refugee Medical Screening, Refugee Wellness Program, and Refugee Health Promotion.

Core Services: Refugee Medical Assistance and Refugee Medical Screening

The two core services under the MRD model are Refugee Medical Assistance and Refugee Medical Screening. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA):Provides up to 12 months of health insurance that mirrors the state’s Medicaid program for adults without children or others in special circumstances, such as adults 65+ or living with a disability who are pending SSI/Medicaid.TX RHS collaborates with 20+ partner agencies (all non-profit organizations) to enroll eligible clients into the benefits program.

Refugee Medical Screening (RMS): Conducts the domestic health assessment for new ORR-eligible arrivals, following guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), referring clients to primary care and specialists as needed.TX RHS subcontracts with 7 local health departments (LHDs) to provide the complete domestic health assessment and 1 additional LHD that provides vaccinations only.

Eligible individuals include ORR-eligible groups within 12 months of entry to the U.S. or
a qualifying status granted (i.e. asylum).

Refugee Wellness Program

Through training opportunities and resource sharing, the Refugee Wellness Program (RWP) empowers local organizations and community members to feel confident supporting refugees building resiliency and encouraging them to seek help for mental health challenges.

Refugee Wellness Program Training Options:

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Curriculum available for both Adult and Youth, tailored to refugee and immigrant populations and considerations. 8 hours in-person or virtual, with pre-work and pre-/post-assessments required.
Community Wellness Orientation (CWO):Material helps participants understand cultural nuances of trauma and mental health, including their own culturally-rooted perspectives. 3 hours in-person or virtual with pre- and post-surveys required.

Social work CEUs and Certificate of Completion provided.

Refugee Health Promotion

Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) is a Refugee Support Services (RSS) set-aside program that promotes the health and wellbeing of refugees and other ORR-eligible groups by:

1) Providing opportunities to increase health literacy,
2) Coordinating health care (including mental health)
3) Organizing wellness groups.

RHP-funded organizations may provide services that fall under one or more of these categories, which is dependent on each individual agency’s annual proposal and program design. The nature of services provided can also vary by agency, even within the same category, so it is always best to reach out to them directly to obtain information and coordinate care. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Health Education Program

Health Education Classes and Targeted Health Outreach to Individuals

Programs providing opportunities to increase health literacy for eligible populations, empowering clients to make informed health decisions.

In FY24, agencies providing services under this activity area are:

Houston: Bilingual Education Institute, Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston, YMCA International Services, Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston.
Dallas: Catholic Charities of Dallas, International Rescue Committee.
San Antonio: Catholic Charities of San Antonio, RAICES.
Austin: Interfaith Action of Central TX.

Healthcare Navigation Program

Medical and Mental Health Navigation and Support

Programs coordinating health care for individuals and providing services to ensure individuals are able to navigate and access complex health care systems.

In FY24, agencies providing services under this activity area are:

Dallas: Catholic Charities of Dallas.
Ft. Worth: Catholic Charities of Ft. Worth.
San Antonio: Catholic Charities of San Antonio, RAICES.

Wellness Program

Adjustment Groups, Skill-Building Networks, and Peer Support Meetings

Programs organizing wellness groups to connect individuals with social groups and learning activities that promote their health and well-being.

In FY24, agencies providing services under this activity area are:

Houston: Bilingual Education Institute (Afghans only), YMCA International Services, Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston.
Dallas: International Rescue Committee.
Ft. Worth: Catholic Charities of Ft. Worth.
San Antonio: Catholic Charities of San Antonio, RAICES.
Austin: Interfaith Action of Central TX.
Statewide: Centers for Survivors of Torture.

Eligibility for all RHP services include ORR-eligible populations within 5 years of the date of eligibility. Eligibility for humanitarian parolees from Ukraine and Afghanistan may be shorter than this, depending on parole term and whether another qualifying ORR-status has been obtained.