Refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced people face a wide range of severe challenges to their health and well-being. Social environments in countries of origin characterized by “structural violence” such as poverty, racism, and gender inequality pose demonstrable challenges to health and wellbeing, and one’s immigration status itself is a known determinant factor of health, radically shaping subjective experiences of health and wellbeing in the United States and other destination countries. The range of relevant cultural factors and processes is compelling, including risk factors, subjective experience and meaning of problem/illness, kin identification, conception of problems, community response, healing modalities, health care utilization, and sources of resilience. This Quarterly Conversation brings together a panel of professionals and scholars who work on advancing refugee wellbeing to address these and related issues.

The number one question we hear from emerging Global Health scholars is: "how should I apply my Global Health degree to life after college?" Some global health professionals work with national leaders to shape healthcare within developing nations, while others collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, or relief organizations to promote healthy practices worldwide. Whether you analyze data, influence health policy, or support regions of individuals to improve their wellbeing, there are endless opportunities to shape the field of global health.

Join us as our speaker panel of Global Health faculty delves into the diverse paths they have taken in their careers, sharing insights into the challenges and triumphs they've encountered while making a significant impact on tackling health disparities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) affirms that “there is no health without mental health.” Individuals everywhere are discussing mental health now more than ever before. However, billions experience a lack of access to support resources and the quality of care needed. Communities across the world are facing a mental health crisis that demands action. How do we combat disparities when it comes to mental health literacy?

As members of the Global Health Community, we seek to learn about health care with respect to the history and development of the Indian Health Service, tribal-led health initiatives, indigenous spiritual healing, and collaborations between healers and biomedical professionals. What ways can we ensure health and healing services are accessible and affordable to Native American & Indigenous populations ?

The number of people battling for their reproductive rights across the US is increasing due to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the national legalization of abortion. Within the US, people in marginalized communities bear the brunt of this decision that is expected to accelerate impoverished conditions, since power and privilege influence access to reproductive health care. Access to safe reproductive health care is a challenge of global importance. People within vulnerable communities across the globe are burdened by threats made to their reproductive health, even though we're all owed the basic human right to have the power and resources to make decisions in all aspects of life, including our bodies. Join us for a discussion on reproductive justice in global health. Resources will be provided at the end of the event.

Projects, research and initiatives implemented by the Global Health community transcend national borders and regional interests, while taking cultural differences and diversity fully into account. First hand field experience, research, and service related opportunities are invaluable to developing an in-depth understanding of the complexities of global health problems. What are examples of global health work being done in other countries and regions? What lessons can we bring back when working with diverse populations? Join us for an interdisciplinary discussion on how members of our UCSD Global Health community have examined health issues and policies in practice.

Barriers and stigmas faced by the LGBTQ+ community to access health services are a global concern. Research suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Experiences of violence and victimization are frequent for LGBT individuals, and have long-lasting effects on the individual and the community. How can we improve the determinants of health that threaten the welfare of LGBTQ+ individuals in our communities and across the globe? Join us for a discussion as we explore these inequities and how we can advance LGBTQ+ health and well-being.

It is increasingly recognized that the best health professionals will have interdisciplinary perspectives, social and cultural acuity (such as in cross-cultural settings) and team-oriented skills. The GHP's unique research and writing opportunities make the BA, BS, Minor, and MA excellent preparation for medical and graduate school, and for careers in health sciences, research and teaching, service-providing organizations, government agencies, or law. So where have some of our Global Health Program alumni found themselves after graduating from UC San Diego? What could a career path with a degree in Global Health look like? Join us for a discussion with three Global Health Program alumni about how their experiences in the GHP shaped their career interests and led them to their current roles.

Racism is a global health crisis, one that leads to devastating health outcomes for the Black community. Black Americans experience high levels of stress due to racism in their daily lives and have difficulty obtaining health insurance and accessing high quality health care services. This leads to poorer health outcomes when compared to other Americans. The recent events of 2020 have further illuminated the health effects of systemic and structural racism; this was not only reflected in the inhumane acts against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black individuals, but also in the disproportionate rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths throughout the Black community. What are some ways that we, as members of the Global Health community, can pursue racial justice in healthcare when the disparities of access and quality are ingrained in the system itself? Join us for a discussion as we explore the relationship of racial justice and health equity.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended all facets of life across the globe: from healthcare, to the economy and labor workforce, to education, to international relations. While researchers are rushing to understand the virus and develop a vaccine, the response from different nations throughout the world have influenced how individuals are navigating and curbing the spread of COVID-19. Join us for a discussion of interdisciplinary perspectives in global health to better understand this pandemic!

Global Mental Health is the area of research, practice, and advocacy that places priority on improving and achieving equity in mental health. Now more than ever, Global Mental Health is a growing concern in the United States and internationally. Low and middle income countries are home to more than 80% of the global population, with less than 20% containing resources to aid in mental health issues. As violence and turmoil increases in these global populations, effective treatment is important to improve the lives of people living with these disorders in all countries. Whether it be a temporary, mild condition or more persistent and serious condition, it is a concern for all humans. Join us for a discussion on mental health and its impact on global health.

More people are on the move now than ever before as thousands of Central American migrants have made their way to the U.S. border to flee violence at home. This rapid increase of population movement has important public health implications, and therefore requires an adequate response from the health sector. Ratified international human rights standards and conventions exist to protect the rights of migrants and refugees, including their right to health. Nevertheless, many refugees and migrants often lack access to health services and financial protection for health. Join us for a discussion on the region’s largest so-called caravan on record and its impact on global health.