Mission Statement: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Since 1933, we have offered lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from conflict or disaster. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Impact Statement: The health access services of the International Rescue Committee in San Diego include a language bank, health navigator program, and the SWITCH (San Diego Workforce Initiative Towards Careers in Healthcare) Program.

Interpreters, trained and hired by our Language Bank, assist refugees/immigrants speaking Somali, Karen (Burmese language) and Arabic to access health care services. They also provide transportation to appointments for newly arrived refugees.

Health Navigators assist clients with chronic health issues to access appropriate medical care, including scheduling appointments, acquiring and understanding medication, and ensuring proper follow-up on medical issues.

The SWITCH Program, in collaboration with the MAAC Project and San Diego Workforce Partnership, increases the capacity of the health industry to serve diverse populations by providing training, supportive services, and tuition assistance to refugees and low-income participants starting health careers.

Contact Information: International Rescue Committee, Inc., 5348 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105 | 619-641-7510 | https://www.rescue.org/sandiego | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Google+