HealthPath

HealthPath (@HealthPathIRL) is a digital health platform to assist refugees to access health services in their native languages and integrate into the local healthcare system. A recent study by Royal College Physicians in Ireland called for an “Immediate access to primary care, sexual and reproductive health and mental health services, which are culturally and linguistically competent” for Asylum seekers and Refugees.
History

HealthPath was founded in October 2016 at the second annual Creative Minds social entrepreneurship hackathon, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and Intel in partnership with the DCU Ryan Academy. The aim of the hackathon was to develop ground-breaking solutions to promote refugee inclusion, integration, and self-reliance. The organisation went on to become one of the three winners of the €15,000 prize money awarded to assist in setting up these social ventures. The project is currently being developed in Dublin, Ireland with the aim of expanding the organisation and our services internationally within Europe.

The Facts
• 35 centres with a contracted capacity of 5,433 people.
• Average length of stay is four years but many have spent up to 10 or 12 years.
• Physical and mental health issues among residents are very common and are directly linked to lengthy stays.
• Asylum seekers are 5 times more likely to experience mental health issues
• And 10 times more likely to suffer from PTSD than the average Irish citizen.

Company’s Keywords:

inclusion, integration, mental health, technology, emedicine, general practitioners, migrants, refugees, healthcare professionals, primary healthcare, e