A Message from the Virginia State Refugee Health Coordinator
![Kathy Cooper Portrait](../images/jill.jpg)
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as Virginia’s Refugee Health Coordinator and to deliver my inaugural message for the Office of New- comer Service’s website . It is my goal to ensure that no matter where refugees resettle in the Commonwealth, they all receive the same level of care. Changes to the initial health screening process, mandated by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, were implemented in Virginia in February 2013. This was the first step in standardizing care across the state. As part of a standardized health screening process, it is imperative that refugees receive a mental health screening. To that end, I am working on a strategic plan to incorporate mental health screenings into the initial health screening refugees receive upon arrival to the US.
Refugees arriving to the Commonwealth are faced with a multitude of health issues that need to be addressed. In order to assist with this, Health Liaisons located at each of the resettlement agencies are coordinating appointments and ensuring that refugees receive the follow-up medical care they need. I work closely with the State Refugee Coordinator, Kathy Cooper, and we collectively believe that being healthy is at the foundation of comprehensive, successful resettlement.
I look forward to continuing to advocate for the health needs and service delivery for refugees across Virginia.
Jill Grumbine
Virginia State Refugee Health Coordinator