Frequently Asked
Questions:
What are the differences between
refugees, asylees and victims of
trafficking (VOTs)?
A refugee is someone who has fled his or
her country because of a well-founded
fear of persecution for reasons of race,
religion, nationality, membership in a
particular social group or political opinion.
An asylee is a person who is already
present in the U.S. or is still in another
country and, like a refugee, is granted
legal status to live in the U.S. based on a
claim of persecution or feared persecution
in his/her home country.
A victim of trafficking is subjected to force,
fraud, or coercion for the purpose of
commercial sex, debt bondage, or forced
labor. Human trafficking is a form of
modern day slavery. Survivors of human
trafficking include young children,
teenagers, men and women.

What benefits and services are
asylees, refugees and victims of
trafficking (VOTs) eligible for?
Asylees, refugees and VOTs are eligible for
public benefits which include Medi-Cal or
Refugee Medical Assistance, Refugee Cash
Assistance, and CalFresh for up to eight
months after asylum is granted, refugee
arrival in the USA or VOTs certification. In
addition they can receive comprehensive
health assessments and assistance in
applying for benefits within the first ninety
days after asylum is granted, refugee arrival
or VOT certification.
Asylum seekers and pre-certified VOTs may
also be eligible for health services. Contact
us to find out more about these and other
benefits.

Who We Are
About Us
The Newcomers Health Program is a
clinic and community-based health
program for refugees, asylees, and
other immigrants. We partner with
community-based organizations, city
agencies, and public health programs
to respond to the health and social
needs of refugee and immigrant
communities.

SUCCESSFUL
RESETTLEMENT
BEGINS WITH
GOOD HEALTH

A program of the San Francisco
Department of Public Health
focused on refugee and immigrant
health and well-being since 1980

Our Staff
The Newcomers Health Program staff
provides linguistic and cultural access for
health assessments and other preventive
health programs.

Staff speaks various languages including

Arabic, Burmese, Cantonese,
Mandarin, Mongolian, Spanish, and
Russian. Clinic-based staff work at

Zuckerberg San Francisco General’s
Refugee Medical Clinic serving newcomers
city-wide.

Collaborating Agencies:
San Francisco Department of Public Health
Family Health Center at ZSFG
International Institute of the Bay Area
USCIS Asylum Office
Updated March 2017

Refugee Medical Clinic of
Family Health Center at
Zuckerberg San Francisco General
995 Potrero Avenue (at 22nd St.)
Building 80, 5th Floor, Rm 518
San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone (415) 206-8608
Fax: (415) 206-5513
Hours: Mon – Fri, 8:00am-4:30pm

 Ways to collaborate:

Mission:

Please contact our administrative office
to discuss how we can collaborate with
you, including:

Our mission is to promote the health
and well-being of refugees, asylees and
immigrants throughout San Francisco.

Our Programs and Services:
Refugee and Asylee Services
are designed to increase access to
health services and include:


Comprehensive Health Assessments



Primary Health Care Support &
Referrals



Clinical Patient Education



Medical & Mental Health Interpretation



Referrals & Support for “Green Card”
Medical Requirements



Monthly Asylum Benefits Orientation

Newcomers CONNECT
Project provides resources and
linkages to individuals vulnerable to
exploitation (such as foreign-born
workers at massage establishments
and restaurants) through:
 Direct outreach
 Education on employee rights
 Health access
 Referrals to educational opportunities
 Referral to legal services
 Sanctuary City Protections
 Other community resources

COMPREHENSIVE
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
available for new refugees, asylees,
and certified victims of trafficking
living in San Francisco, San Mateo,
and Marin counties within 8 months of
arrival in U.S. or status granted date.

 Outreach to asylees and/or victims
of trafficking, and newcomer
populations with information about
community health and social
services
 Provide culturally and linguistically
tailored healthy living workshops in
the community
 Share resources and referrals

Why get a refugee
health assessment?

Newcomers Health Program is an
active member in various immigrant
collaborations including:

 Create a health record in the U.S.

· SF-CAIRS (SF Coalition for Asylee,
Immigrant and Refugee Services)
www.sf-cairs.org

 Learn about your health status and
any health conditions you may
have.
 Meet with a doctor who has
experience working with refugees
and asylees, and work with a
qualified interpreter.
 Receive treatment, medications,
and preventative healthcare.

· SF Mayor’s Task Force on Human
Trafficking http://www.sfgov.org

Administrative Office:
Community Health Equity &
Promotion Branch

 Receive referrals to mental health
specialists and support groups.

Newcomers Health Program
25 Van Ness Ave #500
San Francisco, CA 94102

 Receive immunizations to stay
healthy, and that will help when
you apply for a green card or lawful
permanent residency.

www.sfdph.org/Newcomers
E-mail: Newcomers.health@sfdph.org