The United States health care system can be difficult to navigate, but there are resources available to help understand how to find a provider, get health insurance, apply for government assistance and more. Below are various organizations and websites that have a range of materials to assist refugees (or those who work with refugees) in creating healthy lives in this country.
You can search for specific types of health care resources or providers on the Omaha Refugee Service Providers page.
Resources In Nebraska
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
This webpage has information for refugee health screening policies and procedures and medical services for refugees in Nebraska. Links to providers offering screenings and vaccinations include: CHI Health Clinic (Omaha), Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (Lincoln), Central District Health Department (Grand Island), Siouxland Community Health Center (Sioux City, IA). Refugee medical screening brochures are also available on this page in 18 languages.
CHI Health Clinic
CHI University Clinic at 2412 Cuming Street, (402) 717-0380 performs the initial health screenings for all refugees who are resettled directly to Omaha. Many refugee families keep this location at their primary care provider. It is especially important for new refugee families to finish their vaccine series here in order to apply for their green card in a cost-effective and timely manner.
- Healthcare for the whole family
- On-site interpreters for common refugee languages
- Civil Surgeon signature for adjustment to Legal Permanent Resident (green card) status
- Financial assistance available for uninsured, low income patients
Lincoln-Lancaster Health Department Refugee Health Clinic
The Refugee Health Clinic in Lincoln, NE provides health assessments and/or immunizations to refugees who have resettled in Lincoln Nebraska. Patients must present feder i-94 form for services and bring records of previous vaccines. By appointment only.
Online and National Resources
Refugee Health Orientation Toolkit
This toolkit has content for refugees with topics including Immediate Health Care Needs, Initial Health Screenings and Immunizations, Health Insurance, Orientation to the U.S. Health System, Preventive Health Care, Norms of the U.S. Health System, Mental Health and Personal and Public Hygiene Standards.
Health Information Translations
Health Information Translations provides education resources in multiple languages for health care professionals and others to use in their communities. Resources are easy to read and culturally appropriate.
HealthReach
Culturally relevant information in multiple languages and formats about health conditions and wellness topics. You can search by language or topic for resources, cultural backgrounders, clinical tools, and guidance about specific immigrant, refugee, and asylee populations.
Initial Health Screening
Appointment Reminder Translation Tool
NSW Refugee Health Service’s on-line Translated Appointment Reminder Translation Tool allows you to translate appointment details into your client’s language. Just type in the details, then either print or save the PDF. Your form is generated immediately so you can give it to your client at the time you make the appointment.
Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services
Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services provides comprehensive care for refugees, asylees, asylum seekers and survivors of torture and genocide by partnering with numerous organizations including major refugee resettlement agencies. Their Information, Country, and Condition Guides are particularly useful, as well as the many webinars, training materials, and resources. This site has especially great cultural information on mental health.
EthnoMed
EthnoMed is an ethnic medicine website containing medical and cultural information about immigrant and refugee groups. It is specific to the Seattle region, but its cultural and health information is applicable in all geographic areas. The purpose of the website is to make information about culture, language, health, illness, and community resources directly accessible to health care providers who see patients from differ ethnic groups.
CDC’s General Information for Immigrant and Refugee Health
This link contains general information about refugees as well as statistical facts, histories, and cultural backgrounders on specific ethnic groups.
CDC Translated Seasonal Flu Materials
This link contains flu materials for refugees, covering a basic overview of the seasonal flu, prevention of the flu, and a how to guide to care for children with the flu.
Refugee Health and Technical Assistance Center
The Refugee Health and Technical Assistance Center is dedicated to improving the well-being of refugees by providing tools, resources, and support for health and mental health providers. Through this website one can: find basic information about refugees and their access to health care, learn about physical and mental health issues among refugees, download training materials and resources, and sign-up for newsletters and webinars.
LEP Language Access, Health Equity, & Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards
Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (.GOV)
Limited English Proficiency (LEP), Meaningful Access, and iSpeak Cards (.GOV)
Enhanced National CLAS Standards (.GOV)
CLAS Toolkit (National Committee for Quality Assurance Standards)
Printable Customizable “I Speak” cards