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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jessica MP. Jones, MPH, Community Health & Prevention, Drexel University School of Public Health, 245 N. 15th St, Mail Stop 660, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 330-518-3185, jmpj44@yahoo.com

Navigating the U.S. Healthcare system for new immigrants and refugees in the U.S. can be a daunting task due to linguistic and cultural barriers. Pertaining to mental health, adult and child refugees who witnessed or experienced cruel acts may refrain from seeking help, based on myths and lack of knowledge about mental health and its services. Between 1990-2000, the Federation for Immigration Reform estimated the immigrant population in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has progressively grown by 38%. This increase demands a greater need for culturally and linguistically based general and mental health programs. We intend to work with three ethnic communities from Philadelphia based on immigrant population size. The project focused on cultural competency tools in developing a health session for the identified immigrant groups in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The research aims to disclose the cultural and language barriers facing immigrants, refugees, and undocumented people and create methods to regulate these barriers through culturally competent health presentations. We intend to observe an increase in knowledge about health and mental health issues, City of Philadelphia's Healthcare Resources, and build up efficacy to use these services. The principal research technique used to gather information included literature review, investigate U.S. Census records, contacting community organizations.

Learning Objectives: