When Afghan refugees new to HealthPoint clinics meet Omranna Sahak, refugee program coordinator, they immediately express relief. Not only does she speak Dari, but she greets everyone with a huge smile. She offers empathy and advice about questions they often are too overwhelmed to ask. “Before they ask about help, we already give them the support they need,” she says.
Since July 2020, Sahak has been pivotal in shaping HealthPoint’s Refugee Care program, which extends beyond mere medical care. It's a lifeline for refugees striving to navigate new lives in America.
Omranna Sahak (far left) at the Global Village event for Refugee Day.
Sahak was a patient at HealthPoint seven years ago when she arrived in the U.S. Since then, the refugee program has grown tremendously, meeting the needs of thousands of patients each year. Having staff who understand patients’ language and culture makes accessing care significantly easier. “I knew some English, but it’s different when you get here. It was hard to talk to the doctor, make an appointment, and get a bus. This is the stage already passed through, and I can explain it to them,” says Sahak.
Sahak is typically the first contact for new refugees entering the center’s doors. Sahak meets with them for a full hour prior to medical appointments, acts as an interpreter, and ensures their basic needs are met. These can include anything from cell phones and clothing to food and diapers.
Each week, Sahak meets families from diverse backgrounds –– large families, young couples, or single individuals escaping hardships and seeking a better life. Among them are patients from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Mexico, Somalia and more. What they share are stories of resilience after leaving behind everything they knew.
Omranna Sahak (far right, back row) with the Refugee Health team at HealthPoint
Today, Sahak is a full-time refugee coordinator while also pursuing her associate's degree full-time. She hopes to get a bachelor’s degree and eventually manage programs that profoundly improve lives.
