Designing a Model Refugee Camp: Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Among Somali Refugees

Presenter: Vasili Hangemanole, Biochemistry, Global Public Health Scholars

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I completed my practicum at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For many weeks, I researched the Somalia refugee crisis and created a model camp for Somali refugees in Ethiopia. The camp I designed is 80 acres and can hold up to 5000 Somali refugees who were displaced due to violence, political instability, drought, and climate change. In 2023, it was reported that half of Somalia's population required humanitarian assistance, and the majority of the population struggled with trauma, PTSD, and substance abuse, which are frequently disregarded in emergency response operations. The primary goal of my practicum was to prioritize mental health and drug addiction treatment among Somali refugees housed in refugee camps. I created a plan for the camp and designed it to have support groups, counseling, therapy, detox programs, and trauma screenings. I also considered other public health aspects like safe housing, clean water, food, education, vaccinations, and physical healthcare. Thanks to this practicum, I gained a better understanding of how public health can improve the lives of others during times of distress. What made this experience meaningful was being able to come up with a solution where mental health and substance abuse aren't ignored in high-risk populations. Designing this camp let me take what I’ve learned in public health and turn it into something that is beneficial to others. This practicum pushed me to think beyond basic needs and to consider everything a refugee camp needs to be successful while factoring in sustainability and feasibility. This experience has motivated me to keep working in global health and support future efforts that help people in crisis.