Muslim Community Center News

A Publication of the Muslim Community Center for Human Services

7600 Glenview Dr. , Richland Hills TX 76118 Phone (817) 589 9165 (Metro) Email: mcchs2005@hotmail.com Websites: www.mcc-hs.org www.roshni-mcc.org Volume XIV, No. 2 August 2011

Board of Directors
M. Basheer Ahmed, MD Chairman, Imam Dr. Yusuf Kavacki Religious Advisor, Mr. Aftab Siddiqui Vice Chair, Ms. Michelle Ansari Secretary Mr. Ismail Tahir, CPA Treasurer, Ms. Saleha Haleem Mr. Noor H. Siddiqui Ms. Saulet Kureshy Mr. Kalim Saiyed Mr. Abu Tariq Mr. Wasiq Zaidi Ms. Tasneem Hafiz Mr. Kassem Khalil Ms. Farzana Mughal

MISSION & VISION STATEMENT

CCHS is dedicated to empowering underserved communities residing in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, to face complex challenges created by duality of culture and lack of appropriate medical and social services. Our long-term vision is to develop a community of people who are thriving and striving to maintain a harmonious family structure by offering counseling and education to prevent marriage discord, domestic violence and child abuse. MCC plans to offer counseling services and shelter for the victims of domestic violence from Middle Eastern and South East Asian region for whom services are currently not available due to cultural and language barriers.

Editorial
M Basheer Ahmed M.D.
Our country is passing through a difficult phase. We are facing the budget cuts to balance the budget and of course this will affect the most needed health and social services, services to elderly and children. Unless there is a tax increase, we are going to face the calamities of budget cut. I hope the congress in their wisdom may progress towards balanced budget by cutting some unnecessary projects and at the same time increase the taxes to continue the most needed services to the low income families. Sometimes we call these entitlements but some these programs are necessary to save the lives. In this newsletter you will see the information regarding the affordable care and also I will share my experiences during a 4-day conference, which I attended at the invitation of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration). Due to the limitation of funding resources it is preferred that the applicant for the funds must show that they are developing a coalition with other service providers and providing total care to the clients who are entering their program by providing direct services and referral to agencies in the coalition. MCC is building coalition with multiple area service providers. MCC has been making good progress in delivery of services. The organization started in 1995 and in the first phase 1995-2005, MCC was incorporated and tax exempt status was obtained; setup a help line, providing information and referral services. During the first phase MCC received small grants to organize and develop the board, setup organizational strategic planning and fund raising strategies. The charitable medical clinic was established and limited counseling services were provided for mental health patients and victims of domestic violence. Health Fairs and Educational programs were offered in Islamic centers and Public Libraries. During the second phase 2005 to 2010, the clinic operation was increased from 1 day a week to 2 days a week. Eye clinic and dental clinic were established. All the services were offered to needy individuals, irrespective of their religion, race or country of origin. This is the period when we started writing grants and received multiple small and larger grants. Susan G Komen Foundation gave us the grant for breast cancer education, screening and free mammogram for indigent residents. Department of Justice gave a grant for two years for training of volunteers to provide services to victims of domestic violence. 25 grants were submitted and we received 5 grants. Towards the end of the year 2010, we received a large grant to hire a full time Nurse Practitioner and open the clinic to 6 days a week. We also received a grant to hire a full time social worker to provide counseling to victims of domestic violence. During this phase MCC staff was increased from one part time employee to four full time employees including a program director. Now we are entering the 3rd phase of its development. The major grants are the welcome news but it causes financial strain on MCC. Typically, 70% of the funds for the operation of the organization comes from community donors and 30% from the government or foundation funding. We need to raise $150,000-$200,000 to support the staff for the clinic, social service and educational programs. We need to add several additional services to provide a comprehensive a package of health and social services to the indigent residents of the community such as Marital and Premarital Counseling, Legal Services, Employment Training, Parent Child issues and Treatment for drug addiction. I hope that our community will continue to support our projects which are helping the neediest people in our community. Please mail you tax deductible donation to: Muslim Community Center for Human Services P.O.BOX 154658, Arlington, Texas 76015

Staff
Ms. Talaun Thompson LMSW Program Director Nadia Emerick DNP Clinic Coordinator Nuha Rafeek MBA Noureen Raza BA Selma Qureshi BA

BOARD OF TRUSTEE The board of directors amended the bylaws to establish board of trustees. Dr. Basheer Ahmed , Dr. Mohammed Khalid and Mr. Abu Tariq are currently organizing the board of trustee. The bylaws will include the roles and responsibilities of the boards of trustees and clarifies the relationship between the board of trustee and board of directors. It is expected that the board of trustee will be organized by September 2011.

Affordable Health Care Act: Myths & Realities M Basheer Ahmed M.D.
The United States spends more on medical care per person than any other country. Yet life expectancy is shorter than in most of the developed nations and many developing ones. Lack of health insurance is a factor in life span and contributes to an estimated 45,000 deaths in a year. Not all Americans have equal access to health care or similar health care outcomes. Low-income Americans, racial and ethnic minorities, and other underserved populations often have higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options, and reduced access to care. They are also less likely to have health insurance than the population as a whole. The Affordable Care Act signed by the President in March 2010 ensures that more people in the community will receive the health care they need. The law ensures that people who already have health care insurance will have better and more affordable, secure coverage. The Act also expands health care coverage to more than 32 million people who would otherwise not have health insurance. By improving access to quality health care for all Americans, the Affordable Care Act will help reduce these health disparities. The new law will bring down health care costs, invest in prevention and wellness, and give individuals and families more control over their own care. The Affordable Care Act will help reduce disparities by making improvements in current system of health care delivery. The current system of Health care is very complex. It may take three to four years to bring the needed changes. Ending insurance discrimination: Insurance discrimination will be banned, so people who have been sick canot be excluded from coverage or charged higher premiums. Women will no longer have to pay higher premiums because of their gender. Insurance cannot take away coverage because of a paper work error and life time dollar limits. Young people are now allowed to stay on parents health care plan up to the age 26. Seniors and others with Medicare will receive 50% discount on covered brand named prescription drugs. One of the major reasons for the high cost of the health care is the number of insurance companies offering coverage for health care. The major goal of these companies, especially the HMO was to reduce the high cost of Medical care. They did in fact ration the medical care, denied care for preexisting condition and dropped patients from enrollment but the cost of the Medicare was not reduced. The profits of the insurance company did go up. The CEOs of the companies continue to make millions of dollars. The myth about the current law is that it will lead to socialized medicine, however according to the new law, the patient can chose the doctor and hospital, doctors will not be the government employees and the hospitals remain in private hands. There will be no denial of health care for sick people for any reason. A single payer system in US that will save enough money to insure every one. By eliminating the health insurance industry, over $300 billion every year in administrative cost can be saved. Under the single payer all medically necessary care would be funded including doctors fee, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions, rehab, nursing home care, home care, eye care and dental care.

MCCs Annual Health Fair

Aftab Siddiqui
MCCs Annual Health Fair was organized on May 21 at MLK Center in Dallas. Historically, this health fair is geared towards serving the underserved community of South Dallas. This time was no exception and we served about 100 clients who showed up along with their families. Overwhelming majority belonged to African American segment of population and many of them seemed to be homeless. Like previous years this annual health fair was the part of larger event known as Humanitarian Day Event, which served 1500 clients by providing clothing and food items. Four medical students from TCOM, Fort Worth, Ten Nursing students from Concorde Nursing Institute and two volunteers with Noreen, MCC Office Manager assisted in Health Fair. The clients discussed their health issues with medical and nursing students; literature on healthy life style, wellness, diabetes, obesity, hyper tension, discounted medication and drugs plans, Al-Shifa Clinic, Roshni Program was available and was shared with the clients. Many showed interest in Al-Shifa services especially, the dental clinic. I would commend Noreen and other volunteers for their dedication and services. Since there is a growing need of health services all across the board, we should start planning early for the next years health fair.

Cultivating a strong Muslim Ummah through volunteerism.

Faiez K. Saiyed
Attending Community Activities is a very important action that everyone needs to take. Islam speaks highly of volunteerism and we should contribute our time, wealth and ability as best as possible. There is no limit to helping others and we should all make time for it in our daily activity. If you havent been very active previously, Ramadan is a great time to start and hopefully you can continue this throughout the year. We will be giving back to our community and doing our fair share by volunteering. We need to leave the mindset that our communitys problems will be solved by the people in charge. You have to be the one to get up and be a part of the process and the solution. Through helping out, not only do we get a stronger character and sense of morals, we become more familiar with our ummah. It should be motivation and a privilege to contribute to building a base for the Islamic community at large by smaller, helpful actions. Volunteer opportunities are present all around us. The Masjid alone offers countless opportunities. We can also volunteer at local non-profit organizations such as the MCC. We dont have to limit ourselves to just these things either. Volunteering can be done at school and in your own neighborhood. As Muslims we should be active in all parts of the community and set an example. Volunteerism holds various benefits too. Through helping out on a regular basis, we discover a sense of responsibility and as a result, we can hold ourselves to a higher standard. Of course it also creates a sense of community because volunteering is truly the ultimate form of involvement. Setting an example like this is also a great way to spread the positive image of Islam. Ramadan is a great opportunity for the community to be strengthened and we should all take advantage of it. If we dont build this foundation, who will?

Muslim Community Center for Human Services Board Retreat SWOT

On May 21, 2011 MCC organized a Board Retreat facilitated by the president of DFW International Ms. Anne Marie Weiss-Armush. The Board of Directors was present and completed a SWOT analysis. Attendees spent time making decisions about priorities for the organization. Priorities included Marketing, Fundraising and Donor Relationships. STRENGTHS of the organization are described as Dedicated Board members, staff ,Quality of services, Structure, MCC Volunteers, central location, multiple services under one roof, Financial soundness, Funds are spent on providing local services, Own facility, Transparency, Success with grants, Network-Muslims & non-Muslims, Radio program, Name recognition and Dr. Basheer as a central force. WEAKNESSES of the organization are described as Lack of sufficient staff; Limited Board members; Insufficient Public knowledge on services being provided. Board does not reflect community diversity; Board needs to take more responsibility in Marketing the organization; Need more professionals and general volunteers; Weak bonds with Masajids; No funding from mainstream; Need more individual donors; No funding from Corporations. Grant writers are needed; not being located in a large city; more clear vision and goals are needed; Muslims viewed negatively; Public perception and ignorance. OPPORTUNITIES :Broad potential demographic for growth; County/ city/corporations funding; Multicultural experience; Relationship with mayors; High school students volunteers; Interns; Client donations and UNIQUENESS of organization. THREATS name Muslim Organization. Priorities: Funding and Marketing Grants including government/corporate/private funds; Donor relationship; Fundraising events; Expanded e-mail database; corporate face to face contact; Website; Monthly newsletter; Press releases; Increased Relationship with Mosques and Physicians. New Organizational Structure: In order to meet the new priorities, MCC has decided to form a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will help the Board in two major areas including fundraising and marketing the organization to the community. The members of BOT will come from community leadership. MCC Board, staff, and volunteers are looking forward to working with the newly in-formation Board of Trustees.

Projects and Progress January June 2011

AL-SHIFA CLINIC is a charity care medical clinic that provides non-emergency services to uninsured and underinsured patients. In 2011 to date MCCHS has served approximately 1000 patients. The clinic provides diagnostic laboratory services for indigent patients at a discounted rate and accesses thousands of dollars of donated medications to distribute as needed to patients free of charge. To date, 363 patients received discounted labs. A full time Nurse practitioner has been hired and the clinic is now open six days a week. MENTAL HEALTH: Al-Shifa clinic is the only charitable medical clinic in North Texas which provides charitable mental health services to the indigent patients. It offers treatment to a variety of patients with mental health problems. Majority of patients seen in our clinic are suffering from depression and stress related anxiety. To date in 2011, MCCHS has provided mental health services to over 25 patients. Two volunteer psychiatrists and counselors provide the mental health services. DENTAL CLINIC: In 2010 MCCHS received a generous donation of equipment from a local retired dentist. In August, 2010 MCCHS opened a dental clinic to provide discounted services to needy patients. In 2011 to date MCCHS has provided dental services including x-ray, cleaning, extractions, and fillings to 128 patients. EYE CLINIC: Patients in need of eye examinations are seen at a monthly Eye Clinic where an optometrist performs an eye screening exam and a prescription for corrective lens. We have only one optometrist who comes to the clinic once in a month and sees the patient for visual corrective lenses. An area ophthalmologist also sees the patients once in a month on consultation without charge. We need more optometrist to provide the needed services. HELPLINE:MCCHS helps individuals who are in need of appointment scheduling, information, or referrals. During past six months, 1350 helpline calls were processed. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & COUNSELING:MCCHS has a hotline for crisis intervention, appointment scheduling, information, or referrals for services. To date, 21 people received help through the hotline. In 2011 to date MCCHS has provided individual and family counseling to 49 clients. In addition to fielding calls to discuss information about available services, MCCHS provides immediate assistance to victims of domestic violence and child abuse. In 2011 to date, MCCHS has provided direct services for 30 victims of domestic violence. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EDUCATION: In January and March MCCHS presented Domestic Violence Education at Brentwood Community Center to a group of Iraqi refugees. Fifteen women have attended and heard presentation about signs of abuse, parents, and children relationships and how domestic violence affects children and family. BREAST CANCER EDUCATION & MAMMOGRAMS: MCCHS provides a breast cancer awareness program throughout the year. Services include breast cancer awareness education and prevention seminars made possible by a grant through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tarrant County. MCCHS provides coordination, registration and translation on site for patients and The Harris Methodist Mobile Unit of Fort Worth or Moncrief Cancer Resources provide free mammograms for our patients. In 2011 to date MCCHS has conducted 13 education lecture programs and 206 women have received this critically needed information. MCCHS has collaborated with Harris Methodist Breast Cancer Mobile Unit and to date MCCHS has hosted one mammogram screenings in which ten women have received mammograms.

Anne Marie Weiss -Armush discussing the strategic planning.

MCC Board with Ms.Anne Marie WeissArmush, President Dallas International.

SAMHSA
Community Leaders Interfaith Summit, July 10-14, 2011 Silver Spring, Maryland M Basheer Ahmed M.D.
Representatives of 15 cities were invited to participate in this summit. MCC for Human Services was the only organization selected from DFW area. The major objective of the summit was to share the information about federal governments priority in promoting coalition and partnership of various agencies that are providing drug and mental health services. The alliance, partnership and coalition are mutually beneficial and well defined relationships which involves people from different agencies or sectors of the communities joining together to achieve a common goal. It will improve the health of the community and it will create caring communities and expand the safety net for children, youth and elders. Due to budget cuts the funding will become very difficult and priority will be given to the organizations who are taking the leadership role in developing coalition and partnership. During these three days there were inspirational talks by the leaders of substance abuse, mental health services administration and the community leaders who have developed successful coalition in some parts of the country. Special training was provided on how to develop the coalition and the resources available through federal government. Each city will have a specific consultant who is available to provide telephone consultation and the site visits to complete the coalition process. Once we develop the coalition the doors will be open to enter the competition to obtain grants for specific projects. Through the networking effort lot of information was disseminated about multiple sources for funding and special sessions were held for marketing and evaluation of the programs with the primary emphasis on sustainability of the projects. The meeting was extremely beneficial in understanding the complex nature of obtaining federal funds for the services.

Welcome and Farewell

We welcome Dr.Nadia Emerick, DNP-family Nurse Practitioner, started full time work as clinical co -ordinator at Al-Shifa Clinic on April 1st , 2011. She obtained her degree in nursing from Jerusalem, Israel and obtained her masters degree from California State University and Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) from Rocky Mountain University, Utah. She had extensive experience as nurse practitioner with St.Josef Health System, University of Texas MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston and Sherman Internal Medicine group. We are proud to have her as full time staff member and we are expecting her to develop a fine clinical program at Al-Shifa clinic. We farewell our social worker Ms.Lubna Khursheed, LMSW who left MCC to join Millwood Hospital in Arlington, TX. Ms.Lubna initially helped us as a volunteer and later joined as full time staff for domestic violence program. She has been a compassionate and committed social worker. The staff and clients of MCC will miss her.

Susan G. Komen Foundation

On June 7, 2011 Susan G Komen representative Ms. Jeanne Ginsburg, Mission Manager made a site visit to MCC and was provided information about clientele being served in the education and/or treatment of breast cancer. This meeting provided information about demographics of women and communities that were underserved and how we reach these populations. Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Ms Talaun Thompson and Ms Nuha Almakhzoumi participated in the meeting and provided the necessary information to Ms Ginsburg. On June 23, 2011 Ms Talaun Thompson attended a Susan G. Komen grant writers networking meeting. Dallas, Tarrant and North Texas affiliates provided information on the upcoming funding cycle and MCC along with the other current grantees introduced their breast cancer program.On July 19, 2011 MCC has participated in a meeting with individuals from Tarrant County and Dallas, and North Texas affiliates who currently serve women in education or treatment of breast cancer. This meeting provided information about demographics of women and communities that were underserved and how we might reach these populations. Mobile Mammogram Unit

Tarrant County Medical Mission Day -Physicians and Volunteers

Ediorial Board
Editor, Noor Siddiqui Advisors, M. Basheer Ahmed, M.D., Aftab Siddiqui
MCC News is a periodic publication of the MCCHS, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to serving humanity in general and more specifically the immigrant and refugees, irrespective of color, creed, country of origin. The MCCHS is organized to empower the community to act on its own behalf to uplift its people. To strengthen our community, to face complex challenges created by duality of culture, and lack of appropriate infrastructure impacting the domestic, social, and economic aspects of life. We built coalition with other Human service agencies in the area. Please mail you tax deductible donation to: Muslim Community Center for Human Services P.O.BOX 154658, Arlington, Texas 76015