Whether it’s making sure individuals served by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City access their health checkups or advocating for them during appointments, Kimiya Hosseini understands the importance of providing health care access to families in need. 

Kimiya is a Health Access Volunteer and joined the IRC in Salt Lake City in July. She has provided crucial support for families. As individuals don’t always have the means of getting to their medical appointments on their own, health access volunteers bring access to them, providing a reliable form of transportation. Volunteers not only take individuals to and from places like doctors’ and dentists’ offices but also make sure they have the medications they need and schedule follow-up appointments. 

“Kimiya has gone above and beyond in helping our clients access health care and isn’t afraid to get to know each client and their needs,” said Hailee Smith, health access program coordinator. “She is so valued on the health team and we love being able to work with her.” 

Kimiya initially wanted to find a meaningful volunteer opportunity to fill in time during her schedule. After learning about the IRC's health access volunteer position, Kimiya said she thought it would be a perfect fit for her, as she understood how daunting navigating the U.S. healthcare system can be. 

“My dad’s family is from Iran and my grandmother had to be treated in Salt Lake, so I saw how different the care is knowing someone that’s taking and staying with you the whole time,” said Kimiya, who would regularly go to the hospital with her grandmother during treatments. “Having someone there you can trust and speak with, or even just getting to the appointments is a big deal, and I understand that on the level of my grandma.” 

Even with transporting clients for only a couple of months, Kimiya said she’s already gotten so much out of volunteering and has thoroughly enjoyed working with clients.  

“I can’t imagine what these individuals have gone through to get here and just in their time here, so I think it’s cool that the IRC is here doing what they’re doing and that people like me can just jump in and help out,” Kimiya said. 

While she has enjoyed the work, Kimiya said, it doesn’t come without its challenges. Families she transports usually don’t speak the same language as her, and it can be challenging trying to establish baseline communication, especially if individuals are going to appointments for the first time. Once the first visit happens, however, Kimiya said individuals are usually much more comfortable and relaxed. 

“Communication can be slow-going, but it’s an effort, and I think they appreciate that more than anything, knowing you want to communicate with them regardless of a language barrier,” Kimiya said. 

Despite language barriers, Kimiya said she has made good connections with everyone she has worked with, either using translation apps to try conversing or just being with them to walk through hospitals and to let clients take things in without feeling lost. 

As Kimiya continues to volunteer, she said she hopes she can learn more of the common languages spoken by individuals and families to chat with them. She looks forward to seeing people that she supported again and to know how they’re progressing as they settle into life in Utah.  

“Volunteering has been a really great and informative experience, and everyone has been so nice, professional and courteous,” Kimiya said. “I’ve really felt the work is valuable in supporting people starting over here.” 

The IRC in Salt Lake City is looking for health access volunteers! If Kimiya's story inspires you, learn more about her role and how you can get involved here »