Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care - University Pediatrics Immigrant Clinic

What is it?

This refugee and immigrant clinic currently serves about 400 children, most of whom are Bantu from Somalia. The clinic is open two days a week and is staffed by a designated physician, along with a nurse and scheduling specialist. They work closely with the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program (VRRP), a field office of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, which has helped thousands of refugees resettle into Vermont. Together, the Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care and the VRRP partner with the Vermont Department of Health, the Visiting Nurse Association and local schools to ensure quality care.

Who is it for?

New immigrant and refugee children up to age 21, regardless of country of origin or insurance.

Why do they do it?

Approximately 250 Somali Bantu relocated to Burlington since 2003 to escape persecution in Somalia. Many of these children had been living in refugee camps in Kenya for over a decade and had received very little, if any, medical care. The majority do not speak English.

Initially, the refugee children were seen by a variety of providers at University Pediatrics, which is part of the hospital. Over time, however, it became apparent that better care could be provided if designated physicians were dedicated to the care of these children. This was especially important to optimize patient follow-up and treatment of illnesses that are less common in Vermont, such as malaria and tuberculosis.

Contact: Deborah Doyle
Telephone: 802-847-0000
E-mail: deborah.doyle@vtmednet.org