May 2026: Refugee Health & Wellness Program Update
CRIS staff recently helped host a community training for mental health providers in partnership with RIMHCO
If you’ve ever tried to schedule a specialist appointment, resolve a medical bill, find a therapist, or ensure a prescription is covered by insurance, you know how complex our healthcare system can be. Now imagine navigating all of that in a new country, in a new language, while rebuilding your life from the ground up.
That’s the reality many refugees face—and why access to healthcare is an essential part of achieving stability.
Even amid funding cuts and growing uncertainty, CRIS’ Refugee Health & Wellness Program and the CRIS Wellness Clinic continue to work to meet that challenge, helping individuals and families not just access care, but understand and navigate the system with confidence.
Here’s what that looked like over the past year:
31 individuals received Intensive Case Management (ICM)—ongoing, hands-on support for those with complex medical needs, including coordinating appointments, transportation, medications, and broader stability needs like food access and public benefits.
201 individuals received short-term “gaps” services to address immediate needs, such as benefits access and healthcare navigation.
1,540+ resource coordination activities provided basic yet essential support—such as scheduling appointments, resolving medical bills, and helping clients establish primary care.
67 individuals participated in Wellness Groups, building community while developing skills that support overall well-being.
255 individuals were assessed for mental health needs, with 76 receiving ongoing care through internal services or external partnerships.
Beyond direct services, CRIS is also investing in a stronger network of care in the community. Recently, CRIS staff helped lead the annual RIMHCO Provider Training, bringing together more than many local mental health professionals and community partners to better support refugee and immigrant communities.
And this Saturday, May 2nd, the vibrance of our Wellness Groups will be on full display as CRIS co-hosts the third annual Culture and Artisan Fair. This event features handmade crafts, food, and drinks lovingly made by several of our Wellness Group participants.
Like several of our programs, Refugee Health & Wellness is facing imminent funding cuts that are already impacting our ability to sustain this work. In recent weeks, three of our longtime Health & Wellness staff members have departed due to these reductions—a loss that will be felt by both our team and the clients we serve. At a time when needs remain high, these challenges create real uncertainty about what comes next. Still, our commitment to providing holistic care—and to supporting the full well-being of the individuals and families we serve—remains as strong as ever.