What is HEAR-VA?

Supported by the SASIC (Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat) grant, the Healing and Educating Afghans for Resiliency-Virginia program serves Afghan Refugees in the Northern Virginia area through three main pillars:

1.) Direct Service Requirements

• Provide trauma-informed community-based direct medical and mental health services

• Utilize a coordinated referral system to improve access and continuity of care

• Conduct comprehensive mental and physical health screenings for all enrolled clients

• Offer individual, family, and group therapy, psychiatric assessments, and case management services

2.) Community Education

• Develop and translate outreach and education materials tailored to the Afghan refugee community

• Provide training sessions on trauma-informed care, mental health awareness, and physical health screenings to local volunteers, community members, and healthcare professionals

• Engage in community outreach to religious, ethnic, and social organizations serving survivors 

• Compile a comprehensive toolkit of best practices and resources for service providers

• Organize community events, workshops, and information sessions to promote available services

3.) System Structure Development

• Hire and train program staff across partner organizations

• Develop and implement a centralized tracking system for monitoring referrals, outcomes, and service delivery

• Establish regular cross-agency meetings to review referral system

• Facilitate the formation of an advisory council to guide program activities and ensure alignment with the needs of Afghan refugees 

• Promote the professional development of multilingual and multicultural staff