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We have updated our Refugee Health Statistics webpage where we share important surveillance data. Take a look at our new webpage and filter by year of arrival to look at health trends over time.
Among the 1,089 primary refugee arrivals, 1,027 (94%) were eligible for a post-arrival refugee health assessment (RHA) in Minnesota and 990 (96%) of those eligible received an RHA. The most common reasons that a new arrival did not receive an RHA included moving out of Minnesota prior to screening or invalid contact information.
Select results from the RHA are highlighted in the table below.
- Of the 953 new arrivals screened for tuberculosis (TB) infection, 133 (14%) tested positive. One hundred and thirty (98%) of these were latent TB infection (LTBI), which is not infectious and has no symptoms. Those identified with TB infection are referred to local public health for treatment.
- Of the 952 tested for hepatitis B infection, 20 (2%) tested positive and were referred for ongoing care. Most new arrivals are vaccinated for hepatitis B prior to U.S. arrival, and any with incomplete vaccination series are vaccinated in the U.S.
- Among the 849 tested for intestinal parasites, 210 (25%) tested positive for at least one pathogenic parasite. The most common parasite identified was Giardia lamblia, which is also one of the most common causes of waterborne illness in humans in the United States.
- Very few refugees who arrived in 2021 tested positive for syphilis or HIV (N=1 and N=2, respectively).
- Among 429 children under 17 years of age tested for elevated blood lead levels, 46 (11%) had a blood lead level ≥5 µg/dL.
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Health Condition
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No. infected among screened (%)
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TB infection*
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133/953 (14%)
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Hepatitis B infection**
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20/952 (2%)
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Parasitic infection***
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210/849 (25%)
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Syphilis infection
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1/673 (<1%)
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HIV infection
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2/921 (<1%)
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Elevated Blood Lead****
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46/429 (11%)
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Total number of health screenings: 990 (96% of 1,027 eligible refugees)
* Persons with LTBI (QFT+ or ≥ 10mm induration w/ normal CXR) or suspect/active TB disease
** Positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
*** Positive for at least one intestinal parasite infection
****Children <17 years old (463 screened); Lead Level ≥5 µg/dL
Alight, formerly American Refugee Committee, has worked with displaced people around the world for over four decades. Over the last year they have continued advancing their work by taking on a pivotal role supporting private sponsors in the Uniting for Ukraine and Welcome Corps private sponsorship resettlement pathways.
In the initial stages of Uniting for Ukraine, a program where private sponsors support humanitarian parolees from Ukraine, Alight became an invaluable resource for those working with newcomers. Not only do they recruit new groups to sponsor new arrivals, but they provide ongoing support throughout the resettlement process. Assisting newcomers with successful resettlement is complex and multifaceted, and Alight has developed informational courses and written resources in addition to holding live information sessions to assist with the sponsorship application process and sponsorship activities during the resettlement period. This work ensures that sponsors, many of whom do not have experience helping new arrivals resettle in the United States, can provide the highest level of assistance.
Alight is harnessing their experience working with Uniting for Ukraine sponsor groups by playing an integral role in the newly announced privately sponsored refugee resettlement program, Welcome Corps. Alight was chosen as one of the first Private Sponsor Organizations, and is recruiting, training, and providing ongoing support to those sponsoring refugee newcomers.
For more information on Alight’s work with Uniting for Ukraine sponsors, please visit Alight: Be a Welcomer. Sponsor a Ukrainian Family.
For more information on Alight’s work with Welcome Corps sponsors, please visit Alight: Become a Welcome Corps Sponsor.
In honor of World Refugee Day, join us in celebrating and amplifying the voices of Minnesota’s refugees. Take a look at the full profiles online at Immigrant Health Matters: Stories from Minnesota refugees.
Bugondo (Blaise) Ntibonera
Congolese refugee, Refugee Resettlement Supervisor at Lutheran Social Services
Bugondo (Blaise) Ntibonera, Congolese refugee and Lutheran Social Services Refugee Resettlement Supervisor says, “Minnesotans love refugees and always stand on their side… Minnesota can be called a 'home of refugees.' I have one brother and seven nephews and nieces who are studying today in Minnesota with plans to be doctors, engineers, law enforcement agents, and case workers. It means the future of my family and I is being built here."
"I see myself in the future as a father of a heathy family and a great advocate for refugees.” Blaise says feeling healthy “enables me to perform my jobs and play[s] a big role in my life, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to help other refugees who are coming after me.” He is “working hard to make this happen by staying positive in everything I do and always stick[ing] to the plan.”
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Iryna Petrus
Ukrainian refugee, Outreach Manager at the Ukrainian American Community Center (UACC)
Iryna Petrus escaped war in Ukraine with her young daughter. They travelled through Poland and Mexico before reaching the United States. After spending time in Texas and New Hampshire, they arrived in Minnesota in May 2022 seeking community with other Ukrainians. Iryna now works at the Ukrainian American Community Center in Minneapolis as an Outreach Manager.
“The Ukrainian American Community Center creates opportunities, connections, and support. And, also, our organization tries to treat people like they would be treated at home. A loving and caring environment is essential for mental and physical well-being.” Iryna helps create a loving and caring community in Minnesota by volunteering and supporting Ukrainian refugees in her work. To her, “safety, community, [a] perfect environment, support, and medical programs” make Minnesota a healthy home. Her hopes for the future are “a safe life, no wars, human kindness, respect, and a loving society.”
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