Wisconsin Resources

• Refugee Medical Screening

During the initial stage of resettlement, all incoming refugees are to go through Refugee Medical Screening (RMS). RMS is a thorough physical exam that includes comprehensive communicable disease screening, updating vaccines, oral, nutritional, and mental health assessments.  It ensures follow-up of medical issues, identifies personal health conditions, and refers refugees to a primary care provider for ongoing care.

It is critical that as you work with the newcomer, you prioritize assisting them with RMS.

To gain a better understanding of RMS, the private sponsor group and the clinical providers who will be working with the refugee individual or family should look over the following resources:

– ORR’s Domestic Medical Screening Guidelines Checklist provides a simple checklist of all the components needed for the exam.  

– CareRef assists clinicians in walking through the exam for individuals they are seeing.  It adjusts its recommendations based on their individual’s country of origin and follows the guidance of CDC for the domestic refugee medical exam, or refugee medical screening (RMS).  

– Vaccine requirements   

– CDC domestic refugee screening protocol  

– Refugee Medical Screening Guidance for Wisconsin reiterates CDC guidance and reminds providers of the importance of cultural sensitivity and quality interpretation during the RMS. 

For refugees arriving in Madison through Welcome Corps, private sponsor groups can email Mary Vasquez (MVasquez@uwhealth.org) at UW Health identifying your role and need for a primary care provider for a newly arrived refugee.

In Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Muslim Community Health Center can provide RMS to refugees resettled through Welcome Corp. To schedule an appointment contact Salma Akhter (salma@mchcwi.org) and identify that you are working through Welcome Corps.  She will assist you in setting up the appointment.

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)

Many RMS are done at FQHCs.  

Any FQHC in WI may perform this exam. It is like what they are required to do for a new patient exam.  Some FQHCs have established relationships for RMS provision to refugees being resettled through resettlement agencies.  It is important that your private sponsor group states that they are part of the Welcome Corps program.

– Find a Community Health Center: This listing is updated annually.

Members of your private sponsor group may have connections with a health care system in your area that can assist you in finding a clinician to complete RMS.

If you are unable to obtain an appointment for RMS through the resources already identified, contact the State Refugee Health Coordinator.

Reminders for RMS:

– RMS is not done by a Civil Surgeon.

– Any clinician in Wisconsin can perform RMS (physician assistant, nurse practitioner, medical doctor).

– There is no form that Wisconsin requires clinicians to complete for RMS.

– RMS is billed to Badgercare/Wisconsin Medicaid as a new patient exam, well-child exam, or “level 4” visit.   All refugees are eligible for Medicaid.

– RMS appointments should be scheduled, if possible, within 30 days of arrival.

– Ensure the refugee keeps the scheduled appointment and is provided with transportation to and from the appointment.

It is crucial that you assist them in beginning to understand health care in America: how to navigate care, the importance of vaccines, how their medical information is protected in the U.S., and accessing their medical information either by keeping After Visit Summaries of visits made and/or learning how to access their health system app such as “MyChart” to facilitate their ongoing care.

• Vaccines are needed for adjustment of status and school entry.

Adults and children are required to have their vaccinations up to date when they file to adjust their statues (get their green card) to permanent resident alien.  This happens one year after U.S. arrival. Children will also be required to be up to date on their vaccinations for school admission.

The Wisconsin Immunization Registry will capture all their overseas immunizations as well as vaccinations they receive here.

• Refugee Health Promotion (RHP)

RHP supports refugees in developing an understanding of the U.S. health care system and build health and mental health understanding.  It can be offered on a one-on-one basis as well as through group activities.  Contact the local resettlement agency nearest you to inquire about activities that the refugee can benefit from (e.g. group health education and group activities that decrease social isolation and assist in adjustment to life in the U.S.).

• HUD Guidance for Refugees and Other Newcomer Populations

HUD’s Office of Field Policy and Management is committed to supporting new Americans such as refugees and other newcomer populations find safe, permanent, and affordable housing by providing access to housing counseling and sharing important resources regarding HUD programs and services. Assisting these communities is essential to realizing HUD’s mission of creating “strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.” 

• Housing Assistance
• Energy Assistance

• HUD Housing Counseling

HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low-cost advice.

Call 800-569-4287

• Refugee School Impact & Refugee Youth Mentoring

This resource is designed to help connect new arrivals with trusted immigration legal service providers. The referral lists comprised of professionals who are authorized to provide immigration legal advice — U.S. Department of Justice Accredited Representatives and Immigration attorneys. It’s important to avoid legal help from individuals and businesses that are not legally qualified.

• Find Immigration Legal Services
• USCIS Common Scams
• ILRC How To Avoid Fraud When Seeking Immigration Legal Services
• Resources for Arrivals from Afghanistan and Ukraine

• Fraud

Report cases of fraud (for example, individuals asking for money in exchange for becoming a private sponsor or to assist in submitting an application)

• Services to Older Refugees Program

Helps the elderly in Milwaukee area who are in need of additional services. Those who qualify are: 

– Age 60 or older

– Admitted to the United States under an eligible status 

– Have not yet obtained citizenship