Refugee Health Information for Refugees

Below are steps that refugees can take to have a healthy resettlement in Rhode Island.

Get an Overseas Health Screening

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.)

Connect with Sponsors

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 is the sole resettlement affiliate in the state, managing contracts with the federal Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) and Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Dorcas provides 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.    

Get a Health Screening

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 30 days of arrival in Rhode Island. Data from that screening is reported to the Refugee Health Program.

Learn about Benefits Available for Refugees

Refugees are immediately eligible for benefits in Rhode Island. Learn more.

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Information for Ukrainian Newcomers to Rhode Island

Tuberculosis Screening

The United States Department of Homeland Security requires every eligible person coming through the Uniting for Ukraine program to receive an IGRA screening for tuberculosis within 90 days of arrival in the United States. The Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a blood test that works by measuring the body's immune response to the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. For the most updated information regarding required medical attestations, please visit the USCIS website.

The RISE Tuberculosis Clinic at Miriam Hospital is responsible for screening and treating tuberculosis in Rhode Island. We strongly recommend that you receive your IGRA screening at the RISE Clinic. They are the only clinic in Rhode Island dedicated exclusively to providing tuberculosis care.  Please call the RISE Clinic at 401-793-2427 to schedule an appointment to be evaluated for tuberculosis and receive any treatment that you may need. There is no cost to you for this medical care. The RISE Clinic is located at 14 Third Street, Providence, RI 02906. The clinic is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The RISE Clinic can provide interpretation services in any language should you need assistance with scheduling or during your appointment.

Vaccinations

Ukrainian newcomers who are 18 years old and younger may be eligible for vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

For vaccination information specific to Rhode Island, please visit our immunization page.

More

Resources for Ukrainian Newcomers

Resources for Afghan Newcomers

General Resources for Refugees