Fraser Health Nursing Managers Honoured with 2020 Community Leader Awards

Surrey, BC – Every year, Surrey Homelessness & Housing Society (SHHS) recognizes extraordinary community members who are truly motivated to make an impact in their community and go above and beyond to support Surrey’s priority populations. This year, the SHHS Community Leader Awards recognize the exceptional work of Fraser Health Nursing Managers Sherif Amara, Clinical Operations Manager; Tina Macdonald, Site Clinical Lead; and Manpreet Chahal, Site Clinical Co-lead.

As a state of emergency was called last spring, Leaders Sherif, Tina and Manpreet were on the frontlines of the pandemic, putting the health and safety of others before their own. Showing remarkable caring, compassion and creativity, they brought wrap-around health services onsite to the Emergency Response Centre (ERC) and to those in need. 

Health services that had not previously been provided to guests in the shelter system were brought onsite into the ERC, or referrals were quickly arranged to the appropriate health services.  Fraser Health also introduced its first Managed Alcohol Program at the ERC and these remarkable nursing managers worked collaboratively to deliver best practice. This innovation would not have happened without the guidance of Sherif Amara, Tina MacDonald and Manpreet Chahal. Their dedication, advocacy and spirit of generosity encompass what it means to truly be Community Leaders. 

“During the emergency onset of the pandemic in the spring, there was concern of outbreak in Surrey’s unhoused population, and several collaborators moved quickly to prioritize the health and safety of these individuals,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “The ERC was opened to create safe spaces and shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness and we want to thank Sherif, Tina and Manpreet for their selfless commitment for keeping our City’s most vulnerable safe.”

“We would like to acknowledge the tremendous collaboration and teamwork that continues to happen at the ERC and throughout Surrey during the COVID-19 response,” said Councillor Laurie Guerra, President of the Surrey Homeless and Housing Society. “We want to thank Sherif, Tina and Manpreet, and the entire Fraser Health Nursing team for going truly above and beyond in your work at the ERC.  Your work is a testament to the community spirit that is alive here in Surrey.  We will get through this together and be stronger for it.”

About Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society

SHHS’ vision is that Everyone in Surrey has a Home. Since it was established in 2007 in response to the emerging trend of homelessness and lack of affordable housing in Surrey, SHHS has granted over $7 million to community projects in support of Made in Surrey solutions that build capacity, create homes and fund programs for those experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness. For more information, please visit: surreyhomeless.ca.

About the Surrey Emergency Response Centre

In partnership with BC Housing, Surrey Urban Mission Society (SUMS) and the City of Surrey, Fraser Health is helping to support people who are homeless with access to a safe place to self-isolate during the COVID-19 crisis. The Emergency Response Centre (ERC) is for asymptomatic individuals who may be at high risk (i.e. older adults), as a preventative health measure to prevent transmission of COVID-19 by increasing capacity for physical distancing and screening of health needs.

Fraser Health’s role is to assess clients for eligibility via a central health referral pathway, facilitate referrals to the centre, and provide health services to the clients. The services include connection with primary care and pharmacy, virtual addiction medicine, mental health services, home health services and referrals for specialized treatment. This requires a coordinated approach by an Integrated Response Team from various health services, along with the nonprofit service provider (SUMS).