IRC Atlanta Receives $5,000 Gift Thanks to Healthcare Partner

                                                                                                                     Photo: Refugee Pediatric Clinic

IRC Atlanta is the recipient of a $5,000 award from Kaiser Permanente through one of our healthcare providers, Dr. Susan Reines.  Dr. Reines was recently awarded $10,000 to distribute to worthy organizations in recognition of her efforts working with refugee health at the Refugee Pediatric Clinic, a clinic of the Dekalb County Board of Health Clinic, and she shared half of it with IRC Atlanta.

It was at the Refugee Pediatric Clinic – more than a decade ago – that she first encountered IRC Atlanta when caseworkers would come in with their clients for medical exams.  Now she works closely with the health support staff and relies heavily on IRC Atlanta for meeting patient needs, just as IRC Atlanta depends on her passion and expertise.

When asked why she is so committed to working with refugees, Dr. Reines says that it is rewarding on all levels.  She enjoys meeting the families and learning about their cultures, and at the same time finds the medical practice stimulating thanks to a background in infectious diseases.  Ultimately, however, it is the satisfaction of helping refugees get on track in their new lives that has the greatest impact on her.  “Without good health, good nutrition,” says Dr. Reines, “these children won’t have the chance to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Dr. Reines is now working on expanding the scope of assistance provided by the Refugee Pediatric Clinic with a literacy program called “Reach Out and Read.”  Through this program, pediatricians are able to provide books to their patients, and Dr. Reines is trying to encourage families to value reading and hopes to invite volunteers to read to patients in the waiting room.

IRC Atlanta is immensely grateful for Kaiser Permente's generosity and Dr. Raines's support, and looks forward to many more years of partnership in serving refugees.