Refugee, Immigrant, Migrant (RIM) Communities

Health-Equity-CORE-large

Our Vision:

This site is dedicated to RIM communities and to trusted community partners in the Peoria region to build and sustain relationships and connections that result in strong public health. We welcome New Americans and Dreamers into our communities as an integral part of the nation’s social, cultural, and economic vitality.  

Who is included in a RIM population?

  • Refugee - someone who has fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and has crossed an international border to find safety in another county.
  • Immigrant - someone who makes a conscious decision to leave his or her home and move to a foreign country with the intention of settling there.
  • Migrant - someone who is moving from place to place usually for economic reasons such as seasonal work. 

Understanding Peoria Area RIM Populations:

RIM communities include people from diverse regions of the world with different backgrounds and experiences - immigrants, refugees, and migrants.  They have proven that they are strong, resilient and dedicated to the success of the communities where they live. To help them become self-sufficient, both community partners and RIM populations need an understanding of each other and of available resources to assure health and social needs are met - needs for many RIM populations across the United States include some of the following:

  • Access to quality healthcare and health insurance
  • Food security and childcare
  • Education, communications, and language 
  • Legal assistance
  • Jobs and transportation
  • Housing and utilities
  • Information and social connectedness with the community

Peoria Area organizations participated in a survey in January 2023 to understand local RIM populations, needs, and services. Recommendations and next steps are included in the survey report to provide a guide to address health equity in our local RIM populations. 2023 RIM Survey Report for Peoria County  

George Mason University Institute for Immigration Research provided a special report for Peoria County. View the report from 1-23. Immigrants in Peoria County Illinois 

Newsletter:

Upcoming Events:

  • Ronda Guyton's Living to Serve Health Fair - Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 9am-12pm at Peoria Friendship House 800 NE Madison Ave, Peoria, IL 61603
  • Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for age 6 months + and adults https://pcchd.org/306/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinics-Information
  • Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Friday, May 5, 2023, from 4pm-6:30pm at Peoria Friendship House - La Familia 800 NE Madison Ave, Peoria, IL 61603
  • PNC Worldwide Day of Play- Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 10am-2:00pm at Glen Oak Park 2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria IL, 61603
  • Community Health Screening Day- Monday, May 15, 2023 at OSF Main Hospital 530 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria IL, 61603
  • Cancer Screening Day - Friday, May 19, 2023, from 8am-5pm at Carle Health Pekin Hospital (600 S 13th St. Pekin, IL 61554). Walk-ins are welcome for most screenings.
  • PCCEO Transition Fair- Friday, May 19, 2023, from 9am-3pm at PCCEO Inc. 711 W. McBean St, Peoria IL, 61605
  • Peoria RiverFront Farmers Market - May 20, 2023 - September 30, 2023, Saturdays from 8am-12pm at the Peoria RiverFront.

Community Resources for Individuals:

Healthcare

Food/Childcare

Education/Language

Legal/Jobs/Housing

Information/Social

Resource Information for Partners:

We welcome community partner and resource information. Email us at  PeoriaHealth@peoriacounty.org .

  • 2023 RIM Survey Report for Peoria County - Area organizations participated in a survey in January 2023 to understand local RIM populations, needs, and services. Recommendations and next steps provide a guide to address to health equity in our local RIM populations. 1-23
  • Immigrants in Peoria County Illinois - View a special report from George Mason University Institute for Immigration Research 1-23.
  • space for resource info on RIM
  • space for links to specific RIM info
  • space for partner training sites