Quarterly State Executive Best Practices Series: Access to Mental Health Services
In the last two years, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has expanded the support structures and resources available to meet the needs of newly arrived refugees. The State Coordinators of Refugee Resettlement (SCORR) network and State Refugee Coordinators have been instrumental in implementing programs such as Afghan Health Promotion Supplement and the Refugee Mental Health Initiative in partnership with local resettlement agencies. Collectively, these entities are also considering the future of mental health support services for refugees and others who have survived trauma.
This meeting discussed federal programmatic efforts initiated by ORR and implemented through the SCORR network; best practices from Wisconsin in building, resourcing, and administering mental health programs; and best practices for engaging affected communities in program design and implementation. These presentations aim to close information gaps and elevate state models for ensuring that responsive mental health services are available.
Speakers:
Sarah Peterson, President, State Coordinators of Refugee Resettlement and Chief, Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance
Laura McGlashan, New Hampshire State Refugee Health Coordinator, Past-Chair of the Association of Refugee Health Coordinators (ARHC) and Co-Chair ARHC
Bojana Zoric Martinez, State Refugee Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Amal Hassan, M.S., External Community Development & Education Coordinator, Center for Victims of Torture (CVT)