Fundraising EventPRESS RELEASE
September 11 Day of Healing Event for Dallas/Fort Worth
Muslim Community Center’s Al-Shifa Clinic welcomes area agencies and community leaders to an Open House
Memories of September 11, 2001, often bring fear and sorrow to the community. To focus on the need for healing at all levels, the Al-Shifa Clinic (The Healing Place), a free medical and social services clinic sponsored by the Muslim Community Center for Human Services, sponsored an open house and lunch on September 11, 2007, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 7600 Glenview in Richland Hills. The event is also in celebration of charitable acts encouraged during the most holy month in Islam, Ramadan, which begins on September 13.
The Al-Shifa Clinic is a reminder to the general population that Islam has a rich tradition of caring for the poor and less fortunate. In addition, during the observance of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to donate to charity. Plans to extend clinic hours and add dental and optical care require increased funding from donations. Publicizing the available services will help the clinic continue to assist those in need.
Every Saturday morning about 25 indigent patients, regardless of their religious affiliation, receive free medical care with payment of a $10 annual membership fee. Men, women, and children converge on the clinic for treatment of minor illness, hypertension, diabetes, infections, depression and other emotional problems. Lab tests (nominal charge), mammograms, prescriptions, and samples of medicine are also available. Eighteen doctors volunteer their time on a rotating basis. Free psychiatric counseling is provided for marital and personal issues.
The Muslim Community Center for Human Services (MCCHS), a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 1995 by a group of concerned physicians and community leaders in response to the already overburdened medical and social services system for those who cannot afford to pay for these necessities. Of special concern was the need for health care providers and mental health professionals familiar with the Islamic culture and able to communicate in the wide variety of languages spoken over 200,000 Muslims living in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
“We believe that Muslims should take leadership in offering social and medical services to, not only the Muslim community, but also to the nation at large. We are Americans, and we have a responsibility to promote help for the less fortunate in our nation. We need to train our youth to become future leaders by carrying out programs to help those who are in need, regardless of religious or political beliefs,” said Basheer Ahmed, M.D., Chairman, MCCHS.
In addition to the free medical clinic the following services are provided, free of charge to anyone, regardless of religious affiliation, by the MCCHS:
24 Hour Help Line: A hotline service, monitored by volunteers on a 24-hour basis, to provide answers for social services or medical needs.
Domestic Violence 24 Hour Hotline: A domestic violence hotline, monitored by volunteers on a 24-hour basis, offering counseling and other referral services for the unfortunate victims of domestic abuse and violence. At present we are handling 16 domestic violence cases, some of them are receiving supportive counseling and others may be referred to the shelters. We have trained 6 volunteers in Tarrant County and we are planning to train 8 volunteers in Dallas County starting next month.
Health Fairs: Twice a year, health fairs are organized, often in conjunction with other churches and community centers in central locations in Fort Worth and Dallas, to offer basic preventive information and early diagnosis testing for illnesses such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and breast cancer.
Educational Programs: offers on variety of subjects including physical and mental health issues, marital conflicts, child abuse, and child protect agencies and parent child issues. A weekly program on healthy marriages is offered at Fun Asia radio 700am every Sunday at 1PM.
Senior Citizen Outreach: Events with speakers to address illnesses common to the aging process and tips on dealing with Social Security and Medicare.
Refugee Outreach: Workshops on social services and immigration issues are provided for newly arrived refugees. Fundraising and clothing donation drives are organized to help this population. MCCHS collaborates with government agencies to assist in the settlement process.
Guidelines for Health Care Providers: Educational programs and a brochure have been created to familiarize health care providers with religious and cultural sensitivities of Muslim patients including personal hygiene, diet, prayers, interaction with female patients, and Muslim views on illness and death.
Eighty individuals representing various social service agencies including Department of Health, Shelters of Victims of Domestic Violence, United Way, Susan G Koman Foundation, Harris Methodist Hospital, Mammogram services, Multi Cultural Alliance, Texas Christian University Department of Nursing, Moncrief Cancer Center, City Mayors and State Representative in Dallas Fort-Worth area attended the Open House. Various Muslim community leaders including Imam Yousuf kavakci of Dallas, Mr. Mustafa Carroll and Executive Director of CAIR also attended the Open House. Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Chairman and Board members of Muslim Community Center shared with them the various programs and activities of the center. The clinic was open on this day as the patients were coming to have the mammogram. Dr. Kavakci made a brief speech about the importance of Ramadan in the spirit of giving and helping the community.
For pictures from the event, please click here.