Health Assistance

Program Description

The Maryland Refugee Health Program works in collaboration with state and local health departments to ensure that newly arrived refugees, asylees, parolees, and other immigrants receive a comprehensive health assessment and appropriate follow-up care, and referrals. The goals of the program are:

  • To initiate a health assessment exam of new refugee and asylee arrivals within 90 days of U.S. arrival or granted asylum date.
  • To complete the health assessment exam of new refugee and asylee arrivals within 180 days of U.S. arrival or granted asylum date.
  • To prevent and/or control the spread of communicable diseases among, and resulting from, the arrival of new refugees through:
    – Health assessment
    – Treatment
    – Referral
  • To protect the public health of Maryland residents

Resettlement agencies are responsible for ensuring newly arrived refugees receive a Refugee Medical Screening (RMS) upon arrival to the U.S. RMS appointments determine if new arrivals have medical conditions that need immediate attention. Children also receive immunizations required for school enrollment. Clients are referred to a primary care physician for preventive health and ongoing care.

Additionally, MORA partners with the Center for Global Migration and Immigrant Health (CGMIH) at the Maryland Department of Health to provide health education services for eligible clients, in order to providing opportunities to increase health literacy, coordinate and support the navigation of health care; and organize wellness groups, including for mental wellness and peer support.

Where can you access refugee health services?

Individuals who meet eligibility requirements may visit their local Health Department and inquire about an initial health screening as well as one of the federally-qualified health clinics who provide RMS services below:

In the Baltimore Metropolitan Area (Baltimore City and surrounding counties):
Baltimore Medical Systems (BMS)
(410) 558-4900
https://bmsi.org/our-programs/refugee-health-screening-program/

In the Suburban Washington Area (Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties): at:
CCI Health & Wellness
(866) 877-7258
https://cciweb.org/programs-services/refugee-health/