Restoring Dignity Empowers Refugees Through Health Services in Omaha
- Up to 2,000 refugees are resettled in Omaha annually due to persecution.
- Restoring Dignity held a resource fair to provide health screenings and social services.
- The event aimed to help refugees integrate into the community and access necessary resources.
Dozens of organizations united to support refugees in Omaha by hosting a resource fair. Each year, approximately 2,000 refugees arrive in Omaha due to persecution in their home countries. Restoring Dignity, a nonprofit organization, took the initiative to help these individuals acclimate and access crucial health services. The event included vision, dental, diabetes, and blood pressure screenings, addressing essential healthcare needs that can often be overlooked during resettlement. Paw Bway Htoo, an organizer and refugee, emphasized the importance of accessibility to healthcare and resources for new arrivals. Transportation and language barriers are significant challenges faced by refugees, prompting the need to host fairs within their communities. Interpreters were provided to facilitate communication, ensuring that all attendees could benefit from the services offered. The event featured around 45 tables representing various social services, providing a wealth of information on the available assistance in Omaha. The goal was not only to provide immediate help but also to encourage refugees to engage with the community and seek out support. A table dedicated to reading mail was also set up, ensuring no vital communication was missed. COVID relief funding supported this initiative, and organizers are hopeful for continued funding to expand such services in the future. The overall aim is to enhance integration and quality of life for refugees settling in Omaha.