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Division of Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology
Refugee Program
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’ s (CDPHE) Refugee Preventive Health Program of Colorado (RHPC) was established in 1980 to aid refugees and asylees fleeing physical and political persecution in their homeland. Funding is received from the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP). Approximately 1,100 refugees arrive each year in Colorado. The majority re-settle in the Denver/Metro area. Refugees also re-settle in Boulder, Ft. Collins, and El Paso County.
Serving a widely diverse population, the RHPC provides newly arriving refugees with an initial Public Health screening. In addition, a physical assessment is offered at two locally contracted clinics. These examinations ensure that CDPHE is maintaining the health integrity of the residents of Colorado through referral for treatment of medical conditions. Services are provided to assist refugees in attaining self-sufficiency and contribute to their effective resettlement in Colorado.
Refugees arrive in Colorado from all corners of the globe and from widely divergent backgrounds. Many held prominent positions prior to their resettlement. Integrating into American society can be a difficult and traumatic experience. Language and cultural differences are obstacles that must be overcome in order to assimilate into the American fabric. Yet, refugees are quickly absorbed into their new society, becoming productive and contributing citizens of Colorado.
Local Voluntary Agencies (VOLAGS) and the CRSP assist refugees with locating housing, short-term vocational training, English classes, job coaching and accessing health care programs.
For additional information regarding the Refugee Preventive Health Program of Colorado contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 303-692-2647.
Tuberculosis and Refugee Health Program
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