Refugee Health Access and the Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative
NSC has helped refugees connect to primary medical care since 2007, primarily by partnering with refugee health clinics affiliated with university hospital systems. In 2010, that effort expanded to become the Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative, which now serves 800 newly arriving refugees annually. The NSC health team schedules appointments, escorts clients to doctor visits, and advocates on clients’ behalf if there are insurance or language problems. Orientation classes on the healthcare system and insurance provide knowledge to promote self-sufficient navigation of the health care system.
Health Access Program
Based on the success of our Refugee Health Collaborative model, NSC has begun a pilot project of clinics for immigrants, asylum seekers and others. This program offers needs assessments, referrals and advocacy for clients in need of primary, specialty, and mental health care. NSC also provides eligible clients with enrollment support in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
Innovative Support Program for Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment (INSPIRE)
NSC provides strengths-based case management and occupational therapy support to immigrants and refugees with extensive medical needs, including developmental disabilities through the INSPIRE program.
Philadelphia Partnership for Resilience (PPR)
NSC provides social service, legal and therapueutic supports to those who have endured intentionally inflicted physical and mental pain as defined by the U.N. Convention Against Torture. NSC leads the collaborative and works in partnership with Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS PA) and the Philadelphia-based art therapy organization BuildaBridge International to support these highly traumatized individuals and their families.
Healing and Wellness
NSC offers a monthly schedule of wellness activities, including psychosocial support groups, a yoga class, and a pop-up acupuncture clinic for clients adjusting to the United States. NSC offers onsite clinical therapy with language access (bilingual therapists or interpretation) to clients engaged in our case management programs as well as referrals and accompaniment to Behavioral Health and Psychiatric providers.