Diversity and Alberta Health Services

Refugee Health & Wellbeing Project

Overview

Rationale:

Refugees¹arriving in Canada experience multiple challenges which negatively affect virtually all social determinants of health, reducing their overall wellbeing and ability to integrate effectively into Canadian life. They experience much poorer health, have considerably more health needs, and face more significant access barriers (including cultural and linguistic barriers, and little knowledge of the health system) as compared to immigrants and other Canadians. More than 50% speak little or no English. They have most often been victims of war, torture, rape and extreme prejudice and have spent several years in refugee camps where they experienced inadequate health care, housing, nutrition, education, etc. resulting in serious and compounding health problems (Al-Khatib et al., Banjong, et al, 2003; Kemmer et al, 2003). Health systems in countries of origin and refugee camps are often very different than the Canadian health system; family physicians and health promotion efforts are often non-existent. Furthermore, health services are usually only accessed during times of health crisis.

Refugees clearly have unique needs and are more vulnerable to poorer health and wellbeing if adequate supports and specialized services are not in place to address issues of inequity. Although providing services to newcomers is often seen as humanitarian, this is in fact an issue of effectively addressing inequities for this vulnerable population. Refugees are entitled to equitable and accessible quality services. Investing resources earlier in the settlement period will increase the likelihood of mediating the effects of the social determinants of health2 and positively impacting the health of refugees.

Description of Initiative

This initiative will have a positive impact on the health of one of the most vulnerable populations in Calgary through:

the development and strengthening of partnerships between the Calgary Health Region, immigrant serving organizations and other sectors that contribute to the health of this population in order to address inequities of services for refugees and improve the coordination of services; and
addressing the social determinants of health for refugees such as social exclusion, early childhood care, food security, health care services, and education.

1 A “refugee” is defined as “any person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable and/or unwilling to avail himself/herself to the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution” (The 1951 Refugee Convention, UNHCR)

2 “Social determinants of health are the socio-economic conditions that influence the health of individuals, communities and jurisdictions as a whole. These determinants also establish the extent to which a person possesses the physical, social and personal resources to identify and achieve personal aspirations, satisfy needs and cope with the environment.” Raphael, Dennis “Social Determinants of Health: Canadian Perspectives” 2004