A Call to Help Muslims In Need Of Health Care

March 25, 2010

Author: Don Sapatkin

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/89095127.html

When Imam Siraj Wahhaj was diagnosed with prostate cancer a year ago and discovered that his health insurance did not cover treatment, the word went out.

"People all over the world called me and said, 'I'm praying for you,' " said Wahhaj, head of the Muslim Alliance in North America. "But what about the little guys? No one is praying for them. No one is raising money for them."

Yesterday, the national social service organization announced intentions to create a network of free clinics - some existing, others new - staffed by volunteers in underserved Muslim communities nationwide, starting in Philadelphia.

The news conference was less about concrete plans than a vision and a call to action for Muslim health professionals to serve others. More details are expected at a health forum, show, and fund-raiser April 24 at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater.

See also: Islam, Civic, Health