Roots CHC offers Primary Healthcare through our trauma-informed and culturally safe multi-disciplinary team.
Primary Care Providers, Nurses, a Clinical Pharmacist, Cultural Health Brokers and a Social Worker help ensure newcomers receive the medical services and community supports to best address all aspects of each newcomers’ wellness.
Roots CHC team comes from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Many know first-hand just how hard it is settle into a new country. “With, not for” is a central tenant of Roots CHC, as we strive to remain person-centred.
“Among newcomers, the problems of adapting to a new health culture are linked to both a lack of information about the new health care available and subsequently their experience with that health care system. There is also a lack of access to preventive health care and the lack of a formal and informal support network.”
Your Primary Care Providers (Family Doctors & Nurse Practitioners) are your main healthcare contact. They listen to your concerns and symptoms, explain your options, and create a personal healthcare plan with you. Primary Care Providers treat illnesses, manage long-term conditions, give referrals to specialists, and help you stay healthy with checkups, vaccines, and screenings.
Dr Hala Ahmed - Medical Lead, Primary Healthcare Provider, Arabic
Katherine Hughes - Nurse Practitioner , Primary Healthcare Provider
Dr Meriam Said - Primary Healthcare Provider, Arabic Tigrinya
Dr Maryam Ashour - Primary Healthcare Provider, Arabic
Dr Iram Yunus - Primary Healthcare Provider
Phone: +1 (604) 498-3565
Fax: +1 (604) 498-3566
MOAs welcome you to our clinic, answer the phone, book appointments, update your information, and guide you through forms. They help you prepare for your visit and keep things organized so your care is smooth and on time.
Mariana Mansour- MOA, Arabic, Assyrian
Khulood Al-Yasiri - MOA, Arabic
Phone: +1 (604) 498-3565
Fax: +1 (604) 498-3566
Nurses help you feel comfortable and cared for. They check your vital signs, record your medical history, provide vaccines and treatments, weigh your children, teach you about your health, and answer questions before and after your visit to your Primary Care Provider. Nurses also help coordinate care so you know your next steps.
Farhat Khowaja- Nurse, Nurse, Punjabi, Gujrati, Hindi, Sindhi, Urdo
Harwinder Walia - Nurse, Punjabi, Gujrati, Hindi, Urdo
Phone: +1 (604) 498-3565
Fax: +1 (604) 498-3566
General: Contact@rootshealthcare.org
The pharmacist is your medicine expert. They review your prescriptions, explain how and when to take them, check for side effects or drug interactions, and suggest safe, affordable options. Pharmacists can also give vaccines. The clinical pharmacist works with Primary Care Provider to keep your medications effective and manageable..
Charles Au- Clinical Pharmacist
Phone: +1 (604) 498-3565
Fax: +1 (604) 498-3566
Cross Cultural health brokers help bridge language and culture. They explain health information in clear, familiar ways, often in your mother tongue, and can support interpretation. They make sure your beliefs and preferences are respected, connect you to community resources, and help you navigate the health system. Cultural Health Brokers also offer workshops in various languages.
Saida Ahmadi- Cross Cultural Health Broker, Dari/Persian Pashto
SaidaAhmadi@rootshealthcare.org
Primavera Yanez- Cross Cultural Health Broker, Spanish
PrimaveraYanez@rootshealthcare.org
Hana Hamdoun- Cross Cultural Health Broker, Arabic
Social workers support your whole life, not just your medical needs. They offer counselling for stress, trauma, and family concerns, and help with housing, income, benefits, school, and other services. They listen without judgment and work with you to create a safe, practical way forward with a focus on your overall wellness.
Sukhman Chahal- Social Worker, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdo
Phone: +1 (604) 498-3565 Ext 1010
Fax: +1 (604) 498-3566
When Roots CHC clinic is not available and for immediate healthcare
When to go: Same-day care for non-emergency issues—infected wounds, moderate pain, sprains, simple mental-health support.
Open evenings & weekends in many areas. Expect a fairly long wait.
Press on QR code to go to the HealthlinkBC information
When to go: Minor illnesses or injuries—cold, flu, small cuts, sprains.
Limited Availability: You can phone first or just walk in.
Press on QR code to go to the HealthlinkBC information
When to go: Life-threatening emergencies—chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, stroke signs, major burns, poisoning.
Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital.
Asking for an Interpreter
You have the right to free interpreter services in all health settings. Say on arrival or call:
“I need an interpreter in [your language].
“I speak little English. Please help me with an interpreter.”
Ask staff at the front desk, nurse, or reception—they will arrange for an interpreter at no cost.
Press on QR code to go to see the wait times for local hospitals
