Org Spotlight: Afiya Care Collective

Afiya Care Collective, founded by Mahado Mohamed Hassan, a public health professional; Ashley Dornan, a registered nurse with clinical experience; and Nafissa Nur, a registered nurse specializing in patient care, is a Black-led organization based in Surrey, British Columbia. Afiya is redefining health care with a model designed to bring peace and healing to communities often marginalized by the mainstream system. More than just addressing mental health, Afiya integrates physical and mental well-being in a way that reflects the unique needs of Black, African, and Caribbean (BAC) communities. By centering cultural competence from the ground up, Afiya dismantles long-standing barriers such as long wait times, financial obstacles, and institutional mistrust, providing holistic care that nurtures both body and mind. 

Reimagining Care for Black Communities  
The name Afiya, meaning wellness in Swahili and Arabic, embodies the organization’s core mission, to ensure that BAC individuals are not an afterthought in healthcare but central to its design and delivery. The collective’s vision is to establish a Black healthcare center where BAC individuals can access integrated, holistic, and culturally competent care under one roof. This means bringing together healthcare practitioners, mental health professionals, and social support systems to provide wraparound services that honor and respect the lived experiences of their communities.  

“A major challenge for our communities is that care is often fragmented,” says Hassan. “Someone might have to see a family doctor in one city, a therapist in another, and a specialist elsewhere. There’s little coordination, and that makes an already difficult process even more inaccessible.” The model is designed to eliminate the fragmented care that forces many to travel between cities to meet their basic healthcare needs. 

Turning Research into Action 
Afiya Care Collective is conducting a comprehensive research study, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data, to better understand the needs and priorities of BAC communities in British Columbia. This data will not only inform the development of their healthcare center but also serve as a tool for policy advocacy, ensuring that funding and legislative decisions reflect the realities of Black communities in the province. 

If you are a BAC individual in B.C., you can participate in this important research by completing this short survey.

The collective is also working on its strategic development, collaborating with a strategic planner to transition from research insights into actionable steps for implementation. However, sustainable funding remains a critical challenge. Unlike mainstream healthcare institutions, which benefit from long-established government and private sector investment, grassroots organizations like Afiya must actively campaign for financial support. 

Despite these challenges, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. At public engagements, BAC individuals have voiced their deep need for a healthcare space designed with their well-being at the forefront. 

“Every conversation reminds us why this work is urgent,” says Hassan. “People tell us, ‘I didn’t think something like this could exist for us.’ That tells us we’re on the right track.” 

As Afiya Care Collective moves forward, they are calling on healthcare providers, policymakers, and community advocates to join their mission. Whether through funding, partnerships, or participation in their ongoing research, the collective is inviting people to be part of a movement that aims to transform Black health care in Canada. 

To learn more or get involved, visit Afiya Care Collective’s website, email them at [email protected], or follow them on Instagram at @afiyacarecollective.