Transforming Well-Being for Refugees and Their Communities: Perspectives from Medicine, Nursing, Education, and Social Work

Abstract

Forces driving migration and socio-political ideologies that contribute to refugee and immigrant health are defining the global twenty-first century. Complex immigration policies are often in conflict with principles of human rights, social justice, economic theory, and autonomy-of individuals and societies. This chapter outlines the complicated nature of displacement, and the impact it, as well as resettlement and emplacement have on the health and well-being of refugees. We will also present a perspective from Buffalo, NY, a community with long experience in refugee resettlement, and with expertise in meeting the needs of asylum seekers.