The Hopkins, Esperanza And Loyola (HEAL) Refugee Health and Asylum Collaborative is a new collaboration among Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the Esperanza Center/Catholic Charities, and Loyola University Maryland to increase access to forensic physical and psychological evaluations, mental health care, and other services to survivors of torture and trauma seeking refuge in the United States. As the first such
dedicated physical clinic in the Baltimore area – expanding on a successful pilot virtual clinic at JHU – HEAL will work to address the needs of Baltimore’s burgeoning population of asylum-seekers. Services will be located at The Esperanza Center, a comprehensive resource center whose mission is to welcome immigrants by offering hope, compassionate services, and the power to improve their lives. This grant provided funds for translator services and facilities costs.