PGMA Event Addresses Health Needs of Community

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The Prince George’s Muslim Association located in Lanham, MD hosted its first ever Community Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday November 9, 2013.

This event was organized solely by the Sisters’ Committee of PGMA and volunteers within the PGMA community, The response was overwhelmingly positive, both from the attendees and from the providers.  It was largely characterized as “very professional and greatly needed in the community.”

About 20 providers participated covering everything from doula consultation to cardiology. Most areas were well received, however the Breast Clinic run by Muslim Community Center appeared to be most visited based upon sign in sheets. Glucose Screens run by Greenway Endocrinology appeared to be a close second.  “Not all clinics had sign-in sheets and were limited in the number of patients they could see due to the time; Adams Compassionate Healthcare Network who performed Blood Screens was an example of this.  We also had a great many physicians providing curbside consultation and referrals for which, as with most of the services, there was no registration or fee,” shares Danya Forrester, Chair of the PGMA Sister’s Committee.

PGMA wishes to thank all of the wonderful professionals and volunteers who showed up in service to the community, some on very short notice.  “In excess of 60 people (registered) were seen by the different clinics, many that would not have received care otherwise,” says Forrester.

Dar us Salaam Clinic had a booth and Dr.Sufia Syed gave curbside diabetes checkups along with other physicians. Reaching All HIV+ Muslims in America (RAHMA) provided free HIV screens and information.

Flu shots were offered $25 for those without insurance, or those whose insurance doesn't cover the cost.

From lectures on Natural Herbal Remedies and Food in the Quran to massages, the health fair was diverse and members of the congregation were excited to receive services that they might never ventured out for, such as facials offered by Ayshah Salaam.

Free childcare was provided for the benefit of the attendees.

“Insha’Allah we hope to make this at least an annual event. According to Forrester, some of the doctors and organizations have expressed the desire to work with the PGMA community on future events like this, and “others who were not able to attend, or who were not aware of the event have expressed a desire to develop a relationship with PGMA to meet community needs.”

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