Switchboard

This episode of the Switchboard Podcast discusses the unique health challenges faced by Afghan women during and post-resettlement. Host Jesse Griggs speaks with Naheed Samadi Bahram, U.S. Country Director for Women for Afghan Women and a technical advisor for the Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers. Together, they explore how the healthcare system can better address the physical, mental, and social well-being of Afghan women, from maternal health to mental health stigma and cultural sensitivities.

In this episode of the Switchboard Podcast, "Preparing for the Arrival of High-Risk Medical Cases," we discuss essential strategies for resettlement service providers working with newcomers who have complex medical needs. Janet Kurczaba, Intensive Case Manager Supervisor, shares her expertise on identifying high-risk cases, collaborating with healthcare providers, and navigating challenges such as Medicaid enrollment, access to specialists, and the use of interpretation services. This episode provides practical insights on developing effective partnerships with healthcare systems and empowering families to advocate for themselves, ensuring that high-risk individuals receive the care they need upon arrival.

In this episode of the Switchboard Podcast, "Collaborating with Pediatricians and Families to Care for Newcomer Children," we discuss the unique challenges and best practices in providing healthcare to immigrant and refugee children. Dr. Anisa Ibrahim, a pediatrician and medical director at Harborview Pediatrics Clinic, shares her expertise on navigating the complexities of pediatric care for newcomers. Topics include addressing malnutrition, developmental delays, mental health concerns, and infectious diseases, as well as fostering effective partnerships between healthcare providers, families, and community organizations. This discussion provides valuable insights for service providers looking to support the health and well-being of newcomer children and their families.

In this episode of the Switchboard Podcast, "Culturally Driven Health Communications," we explore the critical role of culturally sensitive health communication in supporting immigrant and refugee communities. Our guest, Syreeta Wilkins, a communication strategist at the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC RIM), shares her expertise on creating impactful health materials tailored to diverse cultural contexts. The episode explores strategies for community engagement, the importance of trusted messengers, and the innovative use of culturally validated tools to address public health challenges. Listeners will gain practical insights on bridging communication gaps and fostering health equity through culturally informed approaches.

Led by: Kevin Davis, Sr. Program Officer, Workforce Development IRC PE  Guest speaker: Maria Sigalas, Sr. Program Officer, Financial Capabilities IRC PE Recording: August 2024    Episode overview: Finances are a primary concern for many newcomer families. However, newcomer women are often underrepresented in many economic empowerment and financial capabilities programs offered by refugee service providers. What are the factors behind this? This episode aims to look at the challenges that newcomer women face in accessing financial capabilities programs and discuss some practical strategies from the field.      The IRC received competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #90RB0052 and Grant #90RB0053.The project is 100% financed by federal funds. The contents of this document are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.