The 5th Annual Immigrant and Refugee Health Conference will focus on the subject of immigrant and refugee access to health care.  Refugee and immigrant populations experience many pre- and post-migration risk factors and stressors that can negatively impact their health. The rate of both voluntary and involuntary migration has been steadily rising. From 2000 to 2017, the total number of international migrants rose from 173 million to 258 million, an increase of 49%. Research shows that migrants are less likely than the general population to experience high-quality health care. For example, a systematic review (67 studies, 1996–2009) of population-based studies involving immigrants in the United States found they were less likely to have medical insurance, or access to a regular healthcare provider, preventive care, tests or services; and were more likely to report insufficient time with clinicians and not being engaged by clinicians. Interviews with immigrants of various ethnic origins in the Netherlands, and with Asian immigrants in the United States revealed they had experienced negative health care events, described as abusive or discriminatory and potentially dangerous, due to language barriers and cultural differences.* 
The Conference will reflect on challenges and possible solutions, how to overcome challenges, and ways to improve access to care. The conference seeks to provide critical understanding and practical knowledge that can be used to address structural barriers in the healthcare system and enrich providers’ competency and skills to foster a culture of health equity, understanding, and inclusion. The conference will discuss the barriers to care refugees and immigrants face as well as how current policies and procedures are affecting access to care. Local and national experts will provide invaluable presentations related to providing immigrants and refugees with accurate, culturally-sensitive information. The conference will use PowerPoint presentations, speakers, and panel discussions focusing on racism in healthcare, health disparities, patient advocacy, language access, cultural humility, systemic health care training needs, and more.
*BioMed Central Public Health
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09159-6 
June 26 2020