Fifteen years ago, a full circle moment happened for Naila Murtic.  

     In 1997, Naila and her family arrived in St. Louis from a Bosnian refugee camp. The family was connected to the International Institute, an information and service hub for new immigrants. Through the International Institute, Naila and her family were introduced to Affinia Healthcare.   

     “When we came to St. Louis as refugees, me and my siblings received care here,” Murtic explained. “Dr. (Amal) Antoun (longtime Affinia Healthcare pediatrician) was our doctor.”   

     In 2008, Murtic joined Affinia Healthcare as a Healthcare Coach. This month, she is celebrating her 15th year with the community health center.   

     Today Murtic is a Community Health Worker, a position that allows her to serve in a variety of assignments throughout the health center: assisting with the food pantries at the South Broadway and Biddle locations. Helping patients on the mobile mammogram van, or distributing free diapers to families at the North Florissant location; or at most community events held at locations throughout the St. Louis area. If Affinia Healthcare is involved in the community, Murtic is likely to be there.  

      “Naila is a dedicated and committed member of our staff,” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, Affinia Healthcare President & CEO. “I’ve worked with her over the years and appreciate her commitment to our patients and the families we serve. I’m honored that Affinia Healthcare is a part of her story and so many other families like hers who come to St. Louis looking for a better opportunity.”  

     Affinia Healthcare received the Immigrant Health and Support Services grant earlier this year to improve access and utilization of healthcare services for more than 1,200 newly arrived immigrants and refugees. Affinia Healthcare will assist these individuals and families with medical, dental, behavioral health services as well as connect them to other social service providers.  

    Serving the community is the ‘why’ for Murtic’s tenure with Affinia Healthcare.  

     “Working with the community makes my heart full,” explained Murtic, who is the mother of a 9-year-old. “I love working with Affinia Healthcare and the community all around. We are doing some amazing things here that our community needs and deserves.”  

     And for 15 years, she has given back to the community who took her and her family in when they needed it most.   

     “Affinia Healthcare cared for my family and me. I don’t see myself working anywhere else.”