Founding Story

Immigrants Healthcare Support Network (IHSN) grew out of the vision of its founder Paulin R. Polepole. As a new immigrant, a refugee, and a caregiver seeking healthcare services with language and cultural barriers, he understood how challenging seeking healthcare services could be for many members of the community, particularly those who are newcomers.

He knew that telling a clear story about a health complaint, and in turn communicating clearly with the healthcare personnel  are key factors for a successful interaction between the patient and the healthcare provider.

He started sharing his thoughts and reflecting with community leaders and members, other healthcare professionals, and co-founders about the importance and helpfulness of having programs that contribute to support new immigrants and refugees as well as other members of the community as they navigate the Canadian Healthcare System, and provide them with basic health education and awareness.

Together, they decided to create an organization that would allow them, as a group of health professionals, to channel their skills and experiences to support those requiring help to access quality healthcare services. In this regard IHSN was founded.