Carolina Survivor Clinic

Refugees are an incredibly vulnerable population forced to flee their homes because of war, persecution, or violence. According to the United Nations, in 2016, nearly 65.6 million people were forced to flee from their homes. Nearly 22.5 million of them are refugees, with less than 1% resettled to a third country like the United States. Refugees have often experienced torture for standing up for what they believe in or fighting against tyranny. While many refugees are grateful to escape their countries of origin and live in America, starting a new life is difficult. Resettled refugees must navigate through a series of obstacles, including language barriers, employment, health care, and adaptation to a new culture. These factors contribute to feelings of stress and isolation, which impact the health of refugees and their assimilation into their new environments.

The Carolina Survivor Clinic, which was founded by Rajeev Bais, a clinical assistant professor of Internal Medicine at the UofSC School of Medicine Columbia, is a collaborative effort between our school and Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group. The clinic provides comprehensive and holistic care to refugees who are survivors of torture through individual treatment and therapeutic programs. It offers complete health screenings for newly admitted adult refugees, routine check-ups, and mental health care, along with various community-based programs like English-language instruction for adults, tutoring, soccer programs for youth, and a therapeutic garden.

The clinic partners with numerous volunteers to create a supportive, enriching and community-based environment for the refugee community that is aimed at helping them grow and succeed in their new homes.

The Carolina Survivor Clinic operates on a shoestring budget, so your gifts will have a concrete impact and make a difference in the lives of those who most need our help.