VT currently has a refugee population of over 5,000 immigrants from many countries many of which are from within the African continent. Somali Bantu immigrants began entering VT in 2003 and currently there are around 300 Bantu refugees in VT. Bosnian refugees began entering VT in the early nineties and now number over 1,500. The vast majority of refugees within VT are located in Burlington, the largest city. The Fletcher Allen Health Care center is in Burlington as well as the UVM medical School, both of which offer health assistance programs to refugees through the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. The recession has been felt by all aspects of society and its effects have been exacerbated by the stress placed on migrant populations. Refugees are commonly from war torn areas, both the Bantu population and Bosnian population in VT were displaced due to civil war. Having a home destroyed by war is devastating and psychologically damaging. Trauma is an intricate part of the web that is woven by the story of the immigrant. Not only was community and home destroyed by war but often family is torn apart and left behind, shattered by the beauracratic process that divines who stays and who gets saved. The recession has raised the unemployment rate among the VT refugee population to over 80%, a devastating amount of the population. The stress of dislocation from home, cultural isolation and the trauma of war are compounded by monetary struggles and the depression that is all too common in unemployed populations. Several years ago DR. Dinosaur was founded within the state to enable VT residents’ health care, although this only helps children of refugees the health program is comprehensive and offers the basic care needed for young children. Programs like VHAP enable the parents and elders of populations to receive health care as needed. Problems still exist. Often refugees arrive in the middle of the winter, prepared with the only clothes they have ever needed, often attire appropriate for sub-Saharan Africa. Language barriers are substantial and can make it impossible to navigate modern health care. Anyone who has tried to get insurance to cover a medical visit will know that it is next to impossible for people of the same language and culture. Furthermore issues of cultural difference are substantial and often prevent people from received specified medical care. In many African populations to have a male doctor inspect a married woman is prohibited. This has caused problems in administering gynecological care to woman in refugee populations. Specifically this has been an impediment on doctors’ ability to diagnose and treat HPV breakouts among African populations, the treatment of which requires a vaginal exam. Cultural education needs to be free and easily accessible to both refugee populations and the sedentary public. State employees should be mandated to attend trainings on refugee culture and language, both of which would help to bridge the gap. Social networks need to be prevalent to encourage support groups for refugees so that isolation from their own home and culture is not so devastating. Another problem that is currently unaddressed within the health treatment of refugees is the need for psychological support. Refugee’s health care plans need to cover psychological treatment in ways that are culturally sensitive and effective. If all these tactics and more are employed perhaps the blow can be decreased. Above all else it is the responsibility of the VT population to be encouraging and welcoming when dealing with refugees, making their culture an intricate part of the VT landscape.
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