The key barriers below come from real conversations with CHWs, case managers (CMs), and asylum seekers. We hope the suggested action items help you feel more prepared and supported in your work!
Refugees, Asylum seekers & New Immigrants
Outreach toolkit
Welcome!
This toolkit was developed for Community Health Workers (CHWs), including Promotores/as, Community Health Representatives, Health Navigators, and others in similar roles, who work directly with refugees and asylum-seekers. While it includes resources, stories, and research, this toolkit is not intended as a direct resource for refugees or asylum seekers themselves. However, many of the resources and information in this toolkit may also be helpful for CHWs working with new immigrants, since they often face similar challenges. Our goal is to support CHWs by providing:
- A deeper understanding of the barriers faced by asylum seekers and refugees
- Easily accessible tools and resources to support service navigation
- Access to research findings and best practices informed by CHWs working in the field
In addition, the toolkit offers guidance for researchers on how to meaningfully engage asylum seekers and refugees through Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). We believe research should be done with the community, not just about them. This section shares tips and examples of how to work in respectful, helpful ways.