How wellness navigation is helping newcomers and communities feel supported

When Marwa Kuri meets someone for the first time, sometimes the most important thing she offers is recognition. Being seen and understood when everything else feels unfamiliar.

“As a newcomer myself, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate a new healthcare system and how to access the care you need,” Marwa says. “Being able to speak in your first language can make a big difference in how comfortable people feel reaching out.”

Marwa, a wellness navigator with Nova Scotia Health’s Community Health Team in the Chebucto area, immigrated to Canada from Jerusalem in 2018. With a background in occupational therapy and a master of social work, she brings lived experience to her role, something that has become especially meaningful for many of the newcomers she supports.

Wellness navigators support people from all backgrounds, and Marwa’s ability to speak Arabic and Hebrew has helped break down barriers for clients navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system.

“Language can be a huge barrier, especially when talking about mental health,” Marwa says. “Newcomers might hesitate to receive care because there is still taboo around mental health. Seeing someone who looks similar to them or speaks their language can encourage this population to reach out and look for resources to feel supported.”

Many of Marwa’s newcomer clients are learning how to navigate a healthcare system that works very differently from what they’ve known. Beyond language or cultural differences, it’s often the day-to-day processes that create confusion, like how to access a family doctor, book appointments or even fill out a prescription.

“When someone doesn’t understand how the system works, it can stop them from getting the care they need,” said Marwa. “In some countries, patients leave a doctor’s office with a paper prescription in hand and bring it directly to a pharmacy. In Nova Scotia, prescriptions are often sent electronically or by fax to a specific pharmacy, which can be unfamiliar and frustrating if you don’t know what to expect.”

In her day-to-day work, Marwa meets both individuals and families to explore a wide range of needs, from housing and finances to improving mental health and access to health services. Using a holistic, client-centred approach wellness navigators work with each person to identify goals and develop a plan to access the right supports.

“Wellness navigators design and facilitate community mental wellness programs, shaped by the needs and feedback of community members. We build strong connections with local organizations to expand support for the community,” says Marwa.

Her support extends to those experiencing loneliness and isolation. Identifying barriers, such as transportation, and finding community programs or activities of interest help to reduce that isolation and build confidence.

Marwa recalls working with a senior feeling increasingly isolated and struggling to stay connected to their community without easy access to transportation. Together, they explored the client’s interests and identified small, achievable ways to rebuild social connections. When the client shared a love of pickleball, Marwa helped find an affordable local program in a nearby church basement. 

“It might seem like a small thing,” she says, “but those moments can have a huge impact. When we focus on what matters to the person and support them in taking that first step, it can help reduce loneliness and improve their overall wellbeing.”

Community Health Teams offer a free, non-urgent service in partnership with IWK Health. Wellness navigators support community members to connect with the healthcare and community supports they need to better manage their health and wellness. No referral is required, and services are available in person, virtually or by phone. 

“This is a unique model for healthcare navigation in Canada. We provide information and supports based on self-identified needs to prevent and manage chronic conditions,” says Marwa.

For anyone unsure about reaching out, her message is simple: “We’re the right door to knock on. Even if we don’t have the answer right away, we will help you in connecting to someone who does.”

This service is available to people living in the greater Halifax area with a valid health card. To learn more or book a free appointment, visit www.communityhealthteams.ca.

Photo of Marwa Kuri, Wellness Navigator with Community Health Teams.