Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Below are steps that refugees can take to have a healthy resettlement in Rhode Island.
Refugees approved to resettle in Rhode Island must have a medical examination before traveling to Rhode Island to check for certain communicable diseases. Refugees with these diseases will not be allowed to resettle until they are treated and no longer infectious. (See the Overseas Health Guidelines.)
Many refugees resettled in Rhode Island arrive through the family reunification process, joining other family members after periods of separation. Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, Diocese of Providence, and Refugee Dream Center are the resettlement affiliates in the state, managing contracts with the federal Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) and Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The Resettlement Agencies provide a range of programs and services from airport reception, health screenings, and initial housing, to English language classes, job placement, and longer-term career development.
The Refugee Health Program receives notice of refugees who enter the country to resettle in the state. As part of the resettlement process, refugees must have a domestic health screening within 90 days of arrival in Rhode Island. Data from that screening is reported to the Refugee Health Program.
If you are looking to get connected to a health screening appointment, please contact the Refugee Health Program via email jennifer.solares.ctr@health.ri.gov.
Refugees are immediately eligible for benefits in Rhode Island. Learn more.