Broadlawns Medical Center offers pop-up vaccination clinics for refugee communities throughout the Des Moines metro. 

Broadlawns has been providing refugee healthcare for more than 30 years. The organization was on the forefront of outreach clinics for flu and COVID vaccinations among refugee populations in 2020 and 2021. In the summer of 2024, they’re working to add vaccines that are required for children to attend school. 

Refugees can fall behind on their vaccinations due to language and socioeconomic barriers. If children come to school deficient in vaccines, they are not allowed to attend. When they miss crucial school days, kids who may already be suffering from socioeconomic disadvantages can quickly fall behind in their education. 

Broadlawns partners with the non-profit Des Moines Refugee Support to meet refugees in settings within their communities, such as churches and community centers, where they feel comfortable receiving healthcare. Vaccines are provided for free through donations. 

The state of Iowa has experienced a growing number refugees over the last decade. Many refugees start their U.S. journey in Des Moines due to housing and job accessibility. 

As a safety net hospital, Broadlawns providers are passionate about providing quality care to all patients. Refugees often choose Broadlawns because the medical center employs interpreters and case workers who can help them inside and outside the hospital system. 

“Everyone deserves to have a doctor they feel comfortable taking care of them,” said Dr. Lindsay Christianson, primary care clinic section chief. “Our job is not just to give refugees a medical home, but to connect them with other resources that can help them be successful here.” 

That means ensuring children are prepared for school and can participate in extracurriculars. Providers also offer free sports physicals at schools throughout the Des Moines metro. 

The vaccination pop-up clinics and sports physicals are a group effort among various Broadlawns nurses, physicians, pharmacists and interpreters. These teams take time outside of work to educate themselves on the health issues facing refugees. They choose to work at Broadlawns Medical Center so they can work with refugee communities in Iowa.