For Ukrainian refugees in central Ohio, one of their first stops is often the local health department.
“Public health nursing has a huge role in this because we’re their first interaction with the healthcare system in a lot of cases,” Union County Health Department Director of Nursing Krista Finch said.
Finch explained that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants certain Ukrainians, with a “sponsor” in the United States, a two-year period of refuge called a “parole.”
In order to be granted parole in the U.S., DHS requires refugees to pursue a medical screening within 90 days of their arrival in the country.
“While we have a limited role, I think it’s a really important one,” said Finch.
She said UCHD has helped several Ukrainians from neighboring counties obtain the health screenings required by DHS.
Those leaving Ukraine are required to have their first doses of several vaccines – measles, polio and COVID-19 – before departing their home country.
Nurses at the health department review their vaccination records to confirm they received the shots, or inoculate them. They can also provide other vaccines recommended based on their age, such as the flu shot.
DHS also requires a blood test for tuberculosis. Finch said the health department issues an order for a hospital to complete the test, then follows up to tell patients their results.
Although there may be a language barrier between nurses and Ukrainian patients, Finch noted that UCHD contracts with an interpreter that can translate into over 200 languages.
The translation is provided at no cost via a phone or video call from the time a patient speaks with a receptionist at the front desk throughout their appointment in the clinic.
Beyond that, UCHD services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on income and household size. Finch said most refugees would qualify for their fees to be waived.
Since those seeking parole in the U.S. know there is a quick deadline to complete their health screening, Finch said “they are looking for a place” to help.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Finch said. “Looking at their faces, you can see how appreciative they are to be here and just to be safe.”
Finch said public health nurses are “happy to help anyone” in need, but especially hope that Ukrainians seeking refuge can “find comfort in our community.”
Finch said the health department can help them take a step toward doing just that.
The local health department operates a Community Hub Program, which can help connect patients to services that meet their individual needs.
The program itself is free, but Finch noted Ukrainian refugees are eligible for Medicaid as part of their parole. UCHD nurses and staff can help them determine what health services are covered by their insurance.
The goal of the Community Hub Program is to improve overall health, Finch said, so it offers 20 different “pathways” ranging from finding work and housing to medicine management.
Finch emphasized the program’s mental and behavioral health pathway, as she said many refugees are carrying the weight of experiencing war first-hand.
“They have some heartbreaking stories,” Finch said. “They’ve been through a lot of trauma.”
Regardless of their situation, Finch said refugees seeking help can be sure that they will be cared for and will not face judgement at UCHD.
“That’s what we’re here for,” she said.