Refugee Health
Assessment Program

Kern County Kern County Department of Public Health received approximately 250 refugees from 2005 - 2007. Most of these refugees originated from countries like India, El Salvador, Asia, and South America. Major health concerns for the refugee population has been tuberculosis, parasitic infection, sexually transmitted diseases, occasional skin conditions, and mental health issues. It is projected that 110 eligible Burmese and/or Iraqi refugees will be arriving in Kern County 2008 – 2009. Staff coordinate activities to make sure refugees receive a comprehensive health assessment upon arrival to the county. This health assessment screens the refugee for various communicable and chronic diseases and make sure the client is connected with ongoing medical care in the community.