Date of Graduation

Winter 12-13-2015

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Dr Courtney Keeler

Abstract

Abstract:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the organizations that serves refugees and asylums arriving into the United States. Each year between 4 to 500 individuals will resettle in Oakland through the IRC. However, after relocation, these individuals need information about life in the new country , community resources , and social services especially health care system in the country. Life pressures during the resettlement process, along with the language barrier and poverty usually lead to a less healthy diets and lifestyles. During the time, these factors will put refugees at the risk of obesity and later, chronic disease. Through Health education project, IRC aims to provide necessary information for refuges to increase their knowledge and persuade them to a healthier lifestyle. The program implemented through the short series of presentations for refugees in Oakland during the months of May and June 2015.

This 300 hours fieldwork was a small part of the movement to help and serve this under deserved population with their unmet needs. Continued growth of these sorts of interventions will help more and more vulnerable individuals to stay healthy rather than only survive. It would be a valuable step having the attention of public health professionals on the refugee communities’ issues. Providing more resources in the field of primary prevention is as necessary as needed health care in secondary and tertiary prevention level.

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