APA has called on the Obama administration to work with Congress to win the release of emergency funds to support the mental health and community integration of Syrian refugees fleeing to the United States.
“[F]unding for services for refugee populations has remained flat for nearly 25 years, despite clearly increasing needs,” APA officials said in a letter to Secretary of State John F. Kerry. “In addition to vital housing, employment and language services, some of this funding should be used to train staff in mental health screening; provide access to mental health professionals either on staff or through contract to serve the refugee population in a culturally and linguistically appropriate way; and enhance community integration.”
The letter, dated Oct. 14 and signed by APA President Barry Anton, PhD, and CEO Norman B. Anderson, PhD, asks Kerry to work with Congress to win the release of funds to the State Department’s Reception and Placement Program and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement.
The letter cited research-based resources and programs that U.S. officials can use to help refugees recover from trauma and begin new lives. “APA stands ready to assist in providing knowledge about acculturation challenges and effective interventions based on well-established psychological science to address the needs of refugees and the communities that host them,” the letter said.
— Kim I. Mills