IU School of Social Work – MSW Student
Prior to beginning my MSW, I spent time working in a refugee camp located in Athens, Greece. Because of that, the way that this virus is impacting our global community, specifically the refugee community, is very close to my heart. COVID-19 is extremely contagious, making it more detrimental in groups living in close proximity. Refugee camps align shelters right next to each other, so people who live in refugee camps are unable to truly quarantine. This means people living in refugee camps are at risk for exposure to the virus at a much higher rate than others.
We also know that this virus can be extremely dangerous. Access to healthcare is limited for those living in a refugee camp, so those being impacted by it won’t necessarily get the care they need. Additionally, the process of moving on from the refugee camp has been momentarily halted, thereby slowing down an already slow process of moving on into another country.

Let us honor this resilient and courageous community, one who fought for themselves and their family through fleeing violence. One way we can do this is by recognizing how this virus is impacting those in our global and local communities classified as a refugee.