REFUGEES: Memo to Idahoans

“Wait, there are REFUGEES in IDAHO?” This was a common response I received from co-workers while working in the Coeur d’Alene area over the past month.

As a family physician from Boise who cares for many immigrant and refugee families, it felt prudent to share some basic information about the population of Idaho as we all live in this great state together.

A good starting point:

1. A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence.

2. Idaho has been welcoming refugees since 1975.

3. Approximately 700 refugees are resettled in Idaho each year.

4. Most refugees resettle in Boise while some resettle in Twin Falls.

5. The top five countries of origin for refugees in Idaho over the past several years are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Bhutan, Burma, and Somalia.

6. A large majority of refugees arriving to Idaho are women and children.

Whether someone is born and raised in Idaho or Iraq, he or she can have the same disease and need the same medical treatment. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with patients from all around this state, country, and world, and I hope that others can find time to learn about the many similarities and even fewer differences between ourselves and our neighbors.

For more information on refugees in the state of Idaho please visit the Idaho Office for Refugees: www.idahorefugees.org

ROBIN SAUTTER

Boise