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Coalition seeks mental health care for refugees

A new coalition called Matters Involving Neuro-Disorders, or MIND, is trying to help refugees with mental health conditions. The effort is a response to several mental health-related deaths of refugees during 2014-2016, a video produced by the San Diego Union-Tribune said.

“Refugees are brought to this country to help them rebuild their lives,” said Justin Mudekereza, executive director of New Neighbor Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping refugees adjust to their new lives in the United States. “They have gone through a lot in their countries, then from there, they went to refugee camps, where they spend 15-20 years or more before they got a chance to come to this country.”

Sheila S. Mitra-Sarkar, PhD, of the Institute of Public Urban Affairs at San Diego State University, described the need for a “comprehensive solution” to help refugees adapt to their new society, learn English, find housing and employment, and thrive.

“When I see a patient or someone who seems to have a psychological issue ... I look at everything that goes around them,” said John C. Kuek, PhD, of La Maestra Community Health Centers in San Diego. “I’m looking at the housing issue, the employment issue, and translational issue – meaning they have some family back home and they have a live family here to care for.”