How do Burmese refugees adjust to the US Health system? Service Learning with Lutheran Family Services
Hawzienawit Gebremedhin
Lutheran Family Services of Colorado (LFS) is an organization that helps all different types of people in Colorado with services when they are in destitute situations.
Started in 1978 in Colorado
Largest Refugee Resettling Organization in Colorado
According to Refugees International, over 3.5 million displaced Burmese.
Colorado Refugees Services claim that the largest immigrating group to colorado were the Burmese
Joe Nguyen/AsiaXpress.com This info graphic shows which states refugees from Burma living in Colorado were originally from.
1,313 2007-2009
Why people are fleeing Burma (Myanmar) Political and armed conflict ▪ Repressive ruling military regime ▪ Political opponents ▪ Ethnic groups
With Health Case Worker Hossana Berhe Main task Billing
▪ Filing paper work ▪ Stacks of old bills (not called on)
▪ Calling on Bills ▪ Medicaid, Birth date, Address
Communication Theory
Expectancy Violation Theory When ones expectations, which are generated by
their social constructs, are violated and they have negative or positive reaction. Burmese refugees come to America expecting a type of healthcare system, but at times have their expectations violated.
Expectancy Violation Theory
Within LFS Number of Bills/ Overdue Bills Staffing Issues ▪ Meeting
Evaluation (scale of 1-10)
Serving the Clients- 9
Healthy Functioning Organization- 8
Realistic Improvements- paper work issues
Evaluation
Service Learning or Volunteering?
Research Question ď‚Ą
How do Burmese refugees adjust to the US Health system?
Bibliography
Burgoon, Judee K. "Cross Cultural and Intercultural Applications of Expectancy Violations Theory and Interaction Adaptation Theory." Ed. Amy S. Hubbard. 149-70. Print. "Lutheran Family Services: About Us." Web. 04 Dec. 2010. <http://www.lfsco.org/about.php>. Nguyen, Joe. "Refugees from Burma Find a Home in Colorado - AsiaXpress.com." AsiaXpress.com Colorado's Premier Online Asian-American Publication - News, Events, Entertainment in Denver and the Rest of Colorado. Web. 04 Dec. 2010. <http://www.asiaxpress.com/Articles/2010/jul/refug ees-from-burma-find-home-in-colorado/1.html>.