Motivated by the desire to attain improved effective care for and response to complex refugee/immigrant wellness needs, we propose to hold this conference. It will mobilize and harness the diverse knowledge, capacities, and services of various stakeholders, interested to learn from and with those who interface with refugee and immigrant communities in the USA. The conference will provide a platform for improved skills attainment, sharing, and captivation of advanced research and practices within the prism of Human Wellness, being interchangeably influenced by local and global factors.  Over 70,000 refugees have come to Wisconsin from all over the world. Over the years Wisconsin has welcomed many peoples from Southeast Asia, the former Soviet Union and the former Yugoslavia. The newest come from Somalia, former Burma (Karen, Chin, and Rohyngia), Iraq, and Bhutan.  Ninety-five percent (66,500) of all the refugees who have settled in Wisconsin have achieved economic self-sufficiency and are working and contributing to our communities. And almost all are now U.S. citizens [Wisconsin Department of Children and Families].

The task of helping refugees adjust to Wisconsin can be daunting: acquiring housing, coordinating health services, English language education, assisting with school enrollment, job placement, and much more.  All the while noting that certain refugee groups disproportionately include underserved children and adults with mental health needs, chronic co-morbid conditions, psychosocial stressors, relocation, and resettlement needs. Regional health systems have also had to adapt to these new cultures as they assist the refugees and new immigrants with their primary health needs and, at times, more challenging health needs such as complex post-traumatic stress disorders, poorly controlled chronic medical problems, psychological adjustment needs, work and life stressors, etc.