Refugee Health Program

The Georgia Department of Public Health Refugee Health Program promotes the physical, mental, and social well-being of all newly arrived refugees in the state of Georgia.

The program ensures that refugees receive adequate healthcare that is not available in their home countries. The refugee health screening (also referred to as the domestic health assessment) has four central purposes: 

  1. To reduce and recognize health-related barriers to successful resettlement,
  2. To protect the health of local, state, and national populations,
  3. To identify physical and mental health issues that may need continued care over and beyond public health’s capacity, and
    1. Ensure refugees maximize their available benefits during the eligibility period. Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) eligibility increased from 4 months to 8 months, effective July 14, 2026, for eligible individuals with an ORR eligibility date on or after January 1, 2026. (See ORR Dear Colleague Letter 26-05 for additional information). In correlation, outreach services provide health education and outreach to the refugee community, further supporting disease prevention of infirmity.

Domestic Health Assessment

The program collaborates with local resettlement agencies, county health departments, and health care providers to screen newly arriving refugees in Georgia and administer the domestic refugee health assessment and follow-up process. This screening aims to identify and address health issues that may impede a refugee’s successful resettlement. This appointment should be initiated within 90 days of the refugee’s arrival.

Outreach

  1. Pre-screening, health orientation, and education
  2. Refugee health linkage coordination assistance for complex medical issues
  3. Home visits to ensure compliance with medical treatment plans
  • Who is a Refugee?

    A refugee, as defined by the Refugee Act of 1980, is a person who is outside of and unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of the home country because of persecution or fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

  • Who is Eligible?

    Refugees, Asylees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Special Immigrant Visa Iraqis, Victims of Trafficking, and Humanitarian Parolees are eligible for the program.

  • Where are services located?

    Statewide

Refugee Health Data Request

The Public Health Information Portal (PHIP) is an online system that allows you to request public health data from the Georgia Department of Public Health. You will need to create a user account and complete the data request form:

Refugee Domestic Health Screening

The Georgia Refugee Health Program collaborates with local health jurisdictions and healthcare providers to conduct a comprehensive medical screening examination in line with the CDC Guidance for the U.S. Domestic Medical Examination for Newly Arriving Refugees (Click Here for CDC Refugee Guidelines). 

The Refugee Health Medical Screening Guidelines Manual offers state-specific guidance for this screening examination.

Refugee Health Screening Resources

Forms:

  1. Refugee Health Referral Form  (PDF, 219.63 KB) (Download PDF)
  2. Domestic Health Screening Invoice  (PDF, 702.38 KB) (Download PDF)

Georgia Gateway

Apply on Gateway to see all the services you are eligible for.

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Page last updated 04/30/2025