PRESS RELEASE
NEW YORK- May 13, 2024
HealthRight International, a leading global health nonprofit organization with a 30-year history of supporting individuals seeking immigration relief in the United States through its Human Rights Clinic (HRC), will merge its forensic evaluation operations with the Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)’s Asylum Program.
For almost 35 years, PHR’s Asylum Network of clinicians have carried out forensic evaluations for survivors of torture and ill-treatment who seek refuge, care, and recovery in the United States from the trauma and injury they have endured. PHR will integrate HRC’s extensive cohort of volunteers, legal providers, and service delivery partners into its provider network to ensure that asylum seekers in need of forensic evaluations continue to receive them.
Since 1993, HealthRight’s HRC has supported over 8,000 migrant survivors of torture and violence, providing comprehensive life-saving medical and psychosocial care. “By consolidating our asylum services with PHR’s, we hope to ensure sustainable, comprehensive and convenient services for clients nationally and enable HealthRight to focus our efforts on addressing adolescent mental health needs in the U.S.,” said Dr. Theresa Castillo, HealthRight’s Chief Program Officer.
Tessa Wilson, PHR’s Senior Asylum Program Officer, emphasizes, “By integrating HealthRight’s networks into our Program, PHR will expand our array of legal partners, clinics, and clinicians, increasing our capacity to meet growing demand of both forensic health and mental health evaluations across the country.”
Each year, tens of thousands seek refuge in the U.S., fleeing torture and persecution, with approximately 1.3 million torture survivors residing in the country. Migrants seeking relief from severe torture, trauma, and abuse they had suffered in their home countries put a significant strain on local social service organizations, highlighting the urgency for enhanced strategies and resources.
To learn more PHR’s Asylum Program efforts, please contact Physicians for Human Rights at asylum@phr.org.
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