Call to Action: Stand with Afghan Refugees Amid Urgent Funding Cuts
The humanitarian crisis faced by Afghan refugees in the United States demands our immediate and unwavering response. Recent significant federal funding cuts have placed tens of thousands of Afghan refugees at profound risk, severely disrupting their access to critical services, including housing, healthcare, mental health, legal assistance, and essential basic needs. Now more than ever, urgent action and collective support from state and county governments, foundations, philanthropists, and community organizations are crucially needed.
In 2021, over 80,000 Afghans sought refuge in the United States, fleeing persecution, violence, and instability following the Taliban's takeover. Welcomed with promises of sanctuary and support, these families now confront immense challenges caused by drastic reductions in federal assistance. These budget cuts threaten vital assistance programs, causing immediate and long-term impacts on Afghan refugee communities nationwide.
At the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health (CIRH), we stand at a pivotal crossroads. Our mission to provide compassionate and comprehensive health services to refugees is put to the test as never before. We urge funders to support Sehat Initiative (SI), a pivotal project of CIRH at the Public Health Institute (PHI). SI is an Afghan-led community health initiative that provides culturally competent services tailored specifically to the unique needs of Afghan refugees. By supporting this initiative, funders enable direct community leadership, enhance culturally relevant health and social services, and foster resilience and integration within the Afghan refugee community. For more details on how your support can make a lasting impact, please visit www.sehatinitiative.org.
Let us reaffirm our shared values of compassion, dignity, and solidarity by standing firmly alongside Afghan refugees during these challenging times.