Health Screenings Ensure Well-Being of Refugees

The IRC in Atlanta recently participated in the North DeKalb Back-to-School Health Fair held at the North DeKalb Mall. The event was in partnership with the IRC, North DeKalb Mall, Peachstate Healthcare and Emory School of Physician’s Assistants. IRC’s on-going health screenings facilitate the health and well-being of clients.

Photo by: Tracy Murphy

As part of the health event, adults and children were screened for blood glucose levels, vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, body mass index (BMI), and kidney function. In addition to these tests, clients were offered information and one-on-one instruction from healthcare professionals about how to properly care for various health issues. Attendees were also taught about preventative healthy lifestyle behaviors that will benefit their overall health and improve their employment or school performance.

The health event was conducted within walking distance to many of the clients’ homes, and included groups of refugees from Burma, Bhutan, the Central African Republic, Sudan, among others. Transportation and interpretation services were provided for clients who needed additional assistance. These community outreach efforts are part of the IRC in Atlanta’s commitment to provide services and support to clients who may be unfamiliar with the intricacies of the American healthcare system.

Furthermore, a vision and hearing screening was held on Saturday, September 8, at the Marque Vista Apartment Complex in Decatur. This event was in partnership with the IRC in Atlanta and the Georgia Lions Club’s Lighthouse program. Monthly and bi-monthly vision and hearing screens are conducted by the IRC Atlanta’s healthcare department. For more information, please contact the IRC in Atlanta at 404-292-7731 or Atlanta@rescue.org.