At our Global Refuge Fargo field office, a new health navigator role is helping refugee families address one of the most important, and often overlooked, issues impacting their lives—access to mental and physical healthcare.
“I was interested in this role because I’ve always been drawn to work that directly helps people, especially in the community I come from,” says new Refugee Health Navigator Khadija M.. “A lot of the clients we serve are navigating a completely new system, language, and culture all at once, and I know how overwhelming that can feel.”
The U.S. healthcare system can be difficult to understand, even for people who have used it their whole lives.
“For someone who is new to the country, it can feel almost impossible to figure out this system on their own,” says Khadija. “I help bridge that gap and explain how things work, connect clients to care, and build trust with them so they feel more confident when accessing these services.”
Khadija says one client she worked with initially felt unsure about how to access care for his ongoing health issues and was hesitant to seek out care providers who could help.
“I was able to walk them through the process, help schedule appointments, and explain what to expect,” she said. “Over time, they became more comfortable and started taking more initiative with their health—but still reached out to me for support when needed.”
Khadija finds the most rewarding part of her role is seeing the impact she makes every day on her clients’ lives.
“When I see a client start to understand how to use their insurance and can successfully schedule and make their own appointments, I feel so much joy,” she says.
Khadija adds that many immigrants and refugees have experienced trauma during their immigration journey, and the adjustment period after they arrive can bring its own strain. On top of that, changing immigration policies add new uncertainty and stress on families already trying to adapt and build a future.
“I come from an immigrant family myself, so this work feels very personal to me,” she says. “I came to the U.S. at a young age. Growing up, I experienced what it felt like to balance different identities and cultures. That perspective helps me approach my work with a lot of empathy and understanding.”
That perspective carries into Khadija’s work with families today, especially parents.
“I am a mother, and I think that helps me connect with many of our clients on a deeper level,” she says. “I think many immigrant and refugee parents are trying to navigate the same balance for their children, and that’s something I can truly relate to.”
