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Refugee Wellness Initiative expands with new partnerships in Durham and Orange counties

The UNC Global Transmigration – Refugee Mental Health and Wellness Initiative (“Refugee Wellness”), a project of the UNC School of Social Work, led by Clinical Assistant Professor Josh Hinson, has recently initiated partnerships with local health clinics, and expanded to serve as a field site for five foundation year students interested in refugee mental health.

Refugee Wellness is a research project to assess the mental health needs of refugees in Wake, Durham and Orange Counties while testing the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of mental health interventions with this population.

It also serves as a field education unit for UNC School of Social Work MSW students. The students conduct mental health screenings with newly arrived refugees, and provide mental health treatment based on the screening.

In September, Refugee Wellness began partnering with Piedmont Health Service’s Carrboro Community Health Center and the Lincoln Community Health Center in Durham’s Department of Health and Human Services (pictured above). Refugee Wellness student interns and volunteers are now facilitating mental health care screenings, services, referrals and support for newly resettled refugees, in collaboration with these agencies.

“Students and partners are excited to provide integrated care to clients, and strengthen community resources to refugees in the Triangle area,” said Hinson.

Read more about the Refugee Mental Health and Wellness Initiative