Refugee Health Program

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

The program ensures that refugees receive adequate healthcare that is not provided in their native country. 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. Identify physical and mental health issues that may need continued care over and beyond public health’s capacity and
4. Ensure that the refugee fully uses Medicaid benefits during their eligibility period, which is 4-months for those that arrive on or after May 5, 2025, and 12 months for those that arrive before May 5, 2025, as mandated by the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). In correlation, outreach services provide health education and outreach to the refugee community, further ensuring infirmity prevention.

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.

Medical Interpretation

Provides limited medical interpretation services during the initial health screening and follow-up.

• Available languages for Interpretation: Somali and Arabic

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

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 Refugees Guidelines). 

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

Refugee Health Screening Resources

• Office of Refugee Resettlement Domestic Screening Checklist – ( Download Checklist )
• Clinical Assessment for Refugees (Click Here) - A tool for clinicians with screening information based on current guidelines.
• CDC Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons (Click Here)
• National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, & Migrants (Click Here) - A website through the University of Minnesota that provides webinars, translated resources, toolkits, vaccine campaigns, and more, all tailored for the care of RIM populations.

Forms:

1. Refugee Health Referral Form
2. Domestic Health Screening Invoice

Page last updated 04/30/2025