End of the Public Health Emergency

Woman wearing a face masks shops at pharmacy

Resources for organizations and communities on the end of the PHE

On May 11, 2023, the public health emergency (PHE) will expire and many will see changes in COVID-19 healthcare costs, insurance coverage and renewals, and food benefits. These changes are likely to disproportionately impact some refugee, immigrant, and migrant (RIM) communities. 

Use these resources to equip your organization and the clients you serve to be prepared for these changes when they begin this spring.

Two people talking about the end of the PHE
Conversation guide

Confidently answer questions from the community with this conversation guide outlining the changes they should expect after the end of the Public Health Emergency.

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Woman handing another woman the PHE guidebook for staff
Guidebook for client-facing staff

This comprehensive document offers details on what a public health emergency is, why it is ending, and how to advise clients on topics like Medicaid, food benefits, and healthcare costs.

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Key messages

These key messages include some of the most important points for clients and staff to remember. Consider reviewing them before having conversations or giving presentations on the end of the PHE.

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End of PHE flyer preview
Fact Sheet

This fact sheet, customizable and soon to be translated, can serve as a reminder to clients and their families on the actions they should take before and after the Public Health Emergency ends.

Ready-to-Use Version:
Amharic | Arabic | Burmese | Dari   | English | French | Karen | Kinyarwanda | Nepali | Pashto | Portuguese | Rohingya | Russian | Spanish | Somali | Swahili (Congolese) | Swahili (East Africa) | Tigrinya | Ukrainian


Customizable Version:
Amharic | Arabic | Burmese | Dari | English | French | Karen | Kinyarwanda | Nepali | Pashto | Portuguese | Rohingya | Russian | Spanish | Somali | Swahili (Congolese) | Swahili (East Africa) | Tigrinya | Ukrainian


Social media series sample, reading "If you have medical insurance, including Medicaid, you can get free COVID-19 tests at most pharmacies through May 11
Social media assets

Social media assets, which are customizable and soon to be translated, can be shared via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or other social media apps like Instagram where communities go to for information.

Ready to use version:
Amharic | Arabic | Burmese | Dari | English | French | Karen | Kinyarwanda | Nepali | Pashto | Portuguese | Rohingya | Russian | Spanish | Somali | Swahili (Congolese) | Swahili (East Africa) | Tigrinya | Ukrainian

Customizable version:
Amharic | Arabic | Burmese | Dari | English | French | Karen | Kinyarwanda | Nepali | Pashto | Portuguese | Rohingya | Russian | Spanish | Somali | Swahili (Congolese) | Swahili (East Africa) | Tigrinya | Ukrainian


PHE Cost Summary Chart
Cost Table

Not sure how costs will change? This simple table offers an at-a-glance summary of the detailed information gathered and presented by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Ready to use version:
Amharic | Arabic | Burmese | Dari | English | French | Karen | Kinyarwanda | Nepali | Pashto | Portuguese | Rohingya | Russian | Spanish | Somali | Swahili (Congolese) | Swahili (East Africa) | Tigrinya | Ukrainian

Customizable version:
Amharic | Arabic | Burmese | Dari | English | French | Karen | Kinyarwanda | Nepali | Pashto | Portuguese | Rohingya | Russian | Spanish | Somali | Swahili (Congolese) | Swahili (East Africa) | Tigrinya | Ukrainian

women wearing mask halfway

Public Health Emergency Advice 
Dari | Pashto

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WhatsApp to Reach and Engage RIM Communities

WhatsApp is a popular social messaging tool for many communities, including refugees, immigrants, and migrants and can be a powerful tool to reach and engage communities. 

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Integrating COVID-19 into Health Promotion and Non-Health Activities

As the pandemic reaches three years, the public has wearied of COVID-19 and may not feel motivated to engage with important health messaging. At the same time, without proper precautions COVID-19 can still cause significant illness and even death. To continue engaging people, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has adapted its approach to discussing COVID-19 with clients by mainstreaming the conversation and inserting it into contextually appropriate conversation entry points.

Learn More >> 

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Initiating the COVID-19 Vaccine Conversation through Flyers

Dispelling myths and alleviating apprehensions around vaccination requires a trusted relationship and a safe, non-judgmental environment for individuals to voice their concerns and ask questions. Initiating COVID-19 vaccine conversations through flyers is a creative way to use a traditional communication method.

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Phone Trees to Facilitate Vaccine Access

To respond effectively to COVID-19 and to longstanding health inequities made worse by the pandemic, it is essential to leverage community strengths and trusted community networks. Phone trees are one strategy to disseminate important public health information during the pandemic.

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Partnerships with Refugee Resettlement Agencies

Refugee resettlement agencies are deeply rooted in RIM communities and are uniquely positioned to partner with health departments to reach community members during COVID-19 response efforts.

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Partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

FQHCs and local health departments share goals to improve community health, particularly among disproportionately impacted populations. Collaboration allows limited federal, state, and local resources to be targeted and allocated to areas that need the resources most.

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