Heidi R. Zinkand, MD

Business Information
The Center for Refugee Health is a Rochester Regional Health primary care practice located at the corner of Alexander Street and Monroe Avenue. The clinic has a small staff of 15 people including physicians, a care manager, a social worker, and patient navigators. Since opening in August of 2014 the clinic has provided medical care to over 5,000 refugee patients. As the only clinic for Refugee Health in Monroe County, we work closely with the Office of Community Medicine to identify health disparities and address the needs of the patients coming to the clinic. The overarching goal of both departments is to improve health outcomes within the Rochester refugee community. The Rochester New York Reception and Placement program resettles approximately 1,100 refugees per year. Individuals arrive from all over the world. Countries of origin include Bhutan, Burma, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Obtaining appropriate medical care is one of the highest priorities during the resettlement process. We work closely with the local resettlement agencies such as Catholic Family Center and World Relief, to facilitate an initial health screening and subsequent entrance into primary care for all newly-arriving refugees. The program addresses the multiple barriers refugees face upon arrival in Rochester and helps patients navigate the healthcare system.