Refugee Services

A Refugee is an individual unable or unwilling to return to his or her country of origin because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

Under a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Refugee Health Screening Clinic provides to Refugees relocating to the Austin/Travis County area the following services:

• a general physical examination
• screening for tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis A, B, and C, syphilis, and intestinal parasites
• testing for the presence of other diseases
• immunizations
• medical social services
• assistance with completion of the I-693 supplement form for immigration purposes.

A review also is conducted to assess the individual’s overall vision and hearing ability, as well as general dental condition. If parasites are present, medication provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services is administered free of charge. For follow-up of ongoing medical needs, the individual is referred to a local health clinic (the “medical home”).

In addition to Refugees, Clinic staff also provides similar health screenings and services for Asylees (individuals who have been granted to remain permanently in safety in the United States), Cubans who enter the United States under the Cuban Adjustment Act, and Certified Victims of Human Trafficking.

The University of Texas School of Nursing sends its nursing students to the Refugee Health Screening Clinic as part of the students’ community health education.

972-6207 - Amira Suton - Program Specialist
972-5537 - K Cathy Harkins, RN - Supervisor
972-6210 -Gloria Anderson - Patient Representative
972-6206 - Abby Reyes, RN
972-5546 - Chanel Hunter, LVN
972-5528 - Tara Ayala, LMSW
972-6208 - Claudia Molina-Batlle, M.D.

972-6211 - Fax Number