Alameda Health System (AHS) continues to demonstrate its mission of serving all by hosting two special clinics to connect new Afghan community members who began resettling in the Bay Area in mid-August with health care services, a primary care home and other health resources.  The clinics were organized and operationalized by Kathryn Horner, vice president and interim chief administrative officer of Ambulatory Care Services and her team.

Marine Purciel-Hill from the STAR team, Kathy Kaspar and Kathryn Horner (clinic volunteers)

On Saturday, October 30, 2021, AHS hosted the first Welcome Afghan Health Connect clinic at Hayward Wellness Center staffed by over 40 volunteer staff from across our organization. “Our volunteers demonstrated an extraordinary level of compassion, dedication and professionalism in their support of Afghan evacuees; individuals and families who have left everything behind for their own safety,” said Horner.

In addition, AHS partners from Bay Area Community Health, Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, and the Afghan Coalition were on site to greet and direct attendees coming for health assessments to mental health services, local resources and on-site medical interpreters.

At the clinic patients also received donated Bolani flatbread, toys, books, and gift baskets. nearly 40 resettling Afghans, including 10 families, were seen in just over five hours.

Hosting these clinics are not only critical to supporting the health and wellness of our new community members, they also hold a special meaning for Interim General Counsel, Ahmad Azizi.

As an Afghan refugee Azizi shared that it reaffirms why he choose to work at AHS.  “We don’t just talk the talk, but we also walk it,” he said.  “I saw myself in our Afghan patients that visited the clinic.  The uncertainty, fear and longing for loved ones left behind, but I also saw hope for a better future.”

The second Welcome Afghan Health Connect clinic will also take place at AHS Hayward Wellness Center on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Find additional resources below: