Source
Download (1.17 Mo) NOTE: A shorter version of this paper, "Case Study: Innovative Multicultural Health Navigator Program Improves access to Health Services for Refugees and Immigrants, " has also been published on this website.
#Introduction
Most Canadians find accessing and navigating the health care system a challenge. Individuals who do not speak the dominant languages and are unfamiliar with their rights and how the system works face additional barriers. According to Hindia Mohamed, Director of OLIP (Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership), “the complexity of the health system is a problem for everyone and more so for newcomers.”[i]The Multicultural Health Navigator (MHN) program in Ottawa was created to address this reality.
Since 2014, the MHN program has helped newcomers[1] to Ottawa navigate the health care system, find a primary care provider and take part in programs promoting health and well-being. They currently provide services in 9 languages, visit newcomers in their homes and occasionally accompany newcomers to medical appointments. Apart from referring to health services, MHNs refer and link clients to settlement and social services. The interagency collaborations provide wrap around services for immigrants creating new lives in Canada.