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( continued from page 17 ) safe environment for each patient . The team offers a person-centered , trauma-informed approach delivered with humility . Key to progress in treatment is the development of safety and trust , which often takes years to fully develop . In the meantime , providers walk alongside each survivor , offering witness to their suffering and assurance of their value and worth . As Joseph was assessed for help for his physical needs , and his family was supported in the initial resettlement process , the profound emotional impact of his torture history became clear . The team from the Survivors of Torture Services met with Joseph and his wife in a relaxed non-clinical setting . They sat on a comfortable sofa and were offered tea or coffee . With an interpreter present , they were invited to share as much of their story as they felt comfortable . Joseph ’ s wife , who had little ability to regulate her emotions at that time , had to take on the role as head of the family . Though the physical trauma to his larynx had resolved , Joseph ’ s debilitating fear still prevented him from speaking a word . He scribbled on paper brief responses the interpreter struggled to decipher . After many months of support from the team of social workers and a psychiatrist , Joseph recovered his voice — both literally and figuratively . Joseph ’ s journey to regaining his voice is similar to many other STS clients . The goal is for participants to regain some sense of safety , purpose , capability and hope . Many of those in the program over the last eight years have gone on to achieve US citizenship , to find jobs , and become an active part of the fabric of Louisville .
The STS is located on the campus of the Americana World Community Center and is a part of Family Health Centers-Americana . Each survivor is evaluated for his or her medical , emotional , employment , legal , educational and spiritual needs and plans are created to accompany them as they rebuild personal independence . ORR offers Survivors of Torture grant awards on a three-year cycle . There are currently 34 such grantees in 22 states . In Kentucky , the Kent School of Social Work at UofL administers the ORR grant , funding and providing technical assistance to the STS at Family Health Centers in Louisville , Kentucky Refugee Ministries in Lexington , and KY STEPS in Bowling Green .
The Survivors of Torture Services ( STS ) at Family Health Centers provides a safe , nurturing environment . The services are confidential and based in a trauma-informed and culturally-appropriate setting . In addition to mental health services , the STS program provides medical care coordination , social services and legal service referrals .
Syria is the source of the greatest number of refugees globally for the past several years , while some of Louisville ’ s largest populations have been from the Democratic Republic of Congo and from Cuba . There is a current spotlight on Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders . Kentucky has reported capacity
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A welcoming sign located in the waiting area and main meeting space of the Survivors of Torture Services ( STS ) program of Family Health Centers-Americana .
to resettle up to 775 Afghan refugees , with about half potentially coming to Louisville .
Yes , we live in a difficult world . Dr . Rajeev Bias is an infectious disease physician , human rights expert , and founder and director for the Carolina Survivor Clinic . During a training hosted by the Kent School ’ s Survivors of Torture program , he taught us the 4 Ts to remember : Trust , Tact , Time and Tenderness . These simple components of care can help build safety and healing for torture survivors - and our patients and clients everywhere .
Additional resources :
» Family Health Centers Survivors of Torture Services ( Louisville ): https :// www . fhclouisville . org / medicalhome / sts /
» Kentucky Office for Refugees : https :// www . kentuckyrefugees . org /
» Center for Victims of Torture ( national ): https :// www . cvt . org / resources / health-care-providers
» HealthTorture . org ( national ): https :// www . healtorture . org / » EthnoMed https :// ethnomed . org /
» Support Afghans in Kentucky : https :// kyrm . org / support-afghans-in-kentucky / or https :// cclou . org / afghanistan /
» Guidance for Domestic Refugee Medical Screenings : https :// www . cdc . gov / immigrantrefugeehealth / guidelines / refugee-guidelines . html Dr . James is the Senior Medical Director , Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare .
Liz Edghill is the Manager of Refugee & Immigrant Services , Family Health Centers – Americana .
Pam Ratcliffe is the Therapist / Program Coordinator , Survivors of Torture Services .