Newly arriving refugees in Stanislaus county are from Iran, Iraq, Russia (Ukraine) and from India. The Stanislaus County Refugee Health Program ordinarily screens around 130 refugees each year in the refugee health clinic. Most refugees are fleeing persecution within their countries and many have been abused and even tortured.

Between October 1999 and September 2000, there were 152 refugee physical examinations given by the HSA. Since October 2000 until present, there have been over 200 physical exams given for refugees. Reports from patients indicate that persecution in many countries is on the rise.

The HSA has received additional grant money to increase staffing to provide for the new influx of refugees.

New arrivals are given a comprehensive health exam by a nurse practitioner within 30 days of arrival in the United States. Refugees are given a community resource packet, which includes how to access social services to apply for Medi-Cal. A list of providers for medical and dental services is also given. Refugees are also referred to Modesto Junior College for ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.

All children under age 18 are referred to CHDP for a comprehensive physical exam or to the primary care provider of parent's choice. Adults are referred to a primary care physician of their choice.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical system with 9 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple programs serving over 400,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA also is in local partnerships for the MOMobile project and the Stanislaus Family Practice Residency Program. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site www.hsahealth.org