Bridge to Care Refugee Program

Refugee: someone who is unwilling or unable to return to his country of origin because of previous persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution, based on the person’s race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion (Southern Sudan Community Association

HistoryEstablished in April 2010.VISION STATEMENT  Bridge to Care is an interdisciplinary student-

run organization that seeks to facilitate positive health care outcomes for recently resettled refugees by discerning group specific needs, aiding in acculturation and health care education, and improving cultural awareness among community health care providers.

PurposeProvide health education to local resettled

refugeesProvide education to students in the health

care field in order to increase their cultural awareness of the health needs

Offer opportunities for health care providers to interact with refugees and increase their awareness of refugee health

Refugees in OmahaBurma Bhutan

Sudan

Somalia Burundi

Vietnam

SessionsMonthly sessions

Meet with each refugee group for 3 consecutive months.

2 parts1st hour

Student receive presentation on refugee health needs

2nd hour Refugees arrive and interact with students Enjoy a meal with the refugees. Health related presentations.

Health Concerns Among RefugeesInfectious DiseasesPoor Oral HealthAnxiety DisordersUnder-diagnosed Chronic ConditionsDelayed Growth and Development in ChildrenTeen IssuesAlcoholism and SmokingUnchecked Family GrowthCleanlinessMaternity health

Bright Start Mentoring ProgramMentor high school refugees10 hours fall semester, and 5 hours spring

semesterMeetings at high school during study hall or

after school (flexible schedules)Topics to mentor: ACT/SAT, How to look for

and apply to a college, scholarships, what major to pick, what life on campus is like

Opportunities to get involvedStudents serve on the Bridge to Care

leadership boardStudents can plan/ run sessions.Students can be mentorsHelp with annual flu shot.Help plan refugee annual health fair.

THANK YOU!!!!!!Please contact any of the board members if you want to be a part of the Bridge to Care team.