Important Update from RHTAC

Since its inception in October 2010, the Refugee Health Technical Assistance Center (RHTAC) has sought to provide quality technical assistance to diverse audiences through a range of primarily web-based strategies. We have been very fortunate to have had Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) funding for this important work. While we were not successful in the new cycle of ORR technical assistance cooperative agreement awards, we do have ORR support to complete several products. We are actively planning next steps and look forward to continued engagement with those committed to refugee health and well-being. Please know that you may continue to access RHTAC information, resources and tools on refugee health through our website www.refugeehealthta.org.

Improving Refugee Health Literacy

Health literacy is the ability to understand and use health information in everyday life. Many factors influence a person's health literacy skills, particularly knowledge of health-related topics, culture, language, computer access and skills, literacy, and pain, illness, and stress. Community health literacy and support are also important factors that influence an individual's health literacy.  Based on these factors, refugees in resettlement are likely to have limited health literacy skills, which can have major effects on health and wellness.

Clinicians, counselors, and advocates need to ensure that refugee populations fully understand their health information beyond the information provided in a refugees' native language. This means assisting clients with forms, using techniques and strategies such as the teach-back method, normalizing feelings of confusion, and providing "take-away" information.

One particularly effective technique is developing the take-away together with clients. Rather than handing over a ready-made fact sheet, work with the client to identify words or pictures that will help them remember. For example, if a client needs to take medicine before bed, the take-away could be a picture of a pill next to a moon and stars. This technique is not meant to replace traditional instructions, but to enhance and supplement them.  When clinicians, counselors, and advocates work together with refugees in providing health information, their health literacy and health outcomes can be greatly improved.

• Hmong mental health needs assessment: A community-based partnership in a small mid-Western community.  Collier AF, Munger M, Moua YK.  (2012) Am J Community Psychol.
• The role of pictures in improving health communication: A review of research on attention, comprehension, recall, and adherence. Houts PS, Doak CC, Doak LG, Loscalzo MJ. (2006) Patient Educ Couns.
• Overcoming health literacy barriers: A model for action.  Mancuso L. (2011)    J Cult Divers.

Suicide Prevention Resources in Refugee Languages