New American Public Health Initiative

New Americans—immigrants, refugees, and migrants—are vulnerable to the same diseases that all Americans are. But they are often more vulnerable than others, due to the special challenges they face. Language barriers and cultural differences can become obstacles to health education.

According to the World Health Organization, “Refugees and migrants often face worse health outcomes in countries of transit and destination due to barriers including language and cultural differences, institutional discrimination and restricted use of health services.”

Moreover, they often face prejudices that can worsen their health outcomes: “Social, political and economic exclusion can result in poverty, homelessness and exploitation, which can create a higher risk for noncommunicable diseases.”

COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these condition—it has “exacerbated existing inequalities in certain populations, which may include refugees and migrants, particularly those in irregular situations.”

The mission of the New American Public Health Initiative (NAPHI)  is to promote the health of New Americans by raising their health literacy, providing basic health information in several languages.

New Americans need to develop a relationship with a health care professional for treatment when disease or injury arises. But New Americans can also take steps to prevent disease by following specific lifestyle practices.