Although refugees make up a small percentage of Ohio’s population, their illnesses can have a significant impact on the wellness of the state’s overall population. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) monitors class A, class B1/B2 TB cases received through the Electronic Data Network (EDN) to ensure refugees receive appropriate screening and care.

Many of the refugees who settle in Ohio fled violent circumstances in their countries of origin and have been living in refugee camps for several years. In the camps, access to health care is limited, sanitation is poor and communicable diseases spread easily due to crowed living conditions.

Before arrival in the United States, all refugees receive a standard overseas health assessment. As part of this standard health assessment, refugees are evaluated for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (i.e., chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum), Hansen’s disease (leprosy), mental disorders and tuberculosis (TB).

Once a refugee arrives in the United States, the U.S. Department of State recommends a health screening within 30 days of arrival or within seven days for HIV-positive refugees. Health screenings include a physical exam, medical history, immunizations, screenings for TB, hepatitis B, parasites, STDs, a women’s health check and referrals for other services.

The Refugee State Coordinator at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides services, including health screenings, for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking. Visit their website at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/refugee/.

Although no longer federally funded, ODH continues to work with the Refugee State Coordinator at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on common concerns involving refugee health.  ODH provides epidemiologic assistance with the investigation of infectious diseases and outbreaks among refugees and gives technical assistance for communicable diseases to public and private health care providers.

Refugee Health Initiative

BIDC - Ohio Department of Health

246 N. High St., 6th Fl - 35 Bldg.

Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone:  (614) 466-0265

Fax:  (614) 387-2132

E-mail address:  TBProgram@odh.ohio.gov