The Islamic Center of Naperville and Community United Methodist Church came together to put on a health fair, where anybody could come in and receive medical attention, free of charge.
“We tried to focus on population groups we think could be underinsured or uninsured,” said Dr. Usman Khan, a nephrologist who helped plan the event. “So we got the word out to groups like Loaves and Fishes, Hesed House, the DuPage PADS Program.”
A wide range of services were offered, from blood pressure and blood sugar checks, to dental health screenings, free flu shots, and even an opportunity to talk with physicians.
According to the organizers, the buzz within both the Islamic and Methodist congregations was so strong that they had more volunteers than they could place.
“It fits both the mission of the Islamic Center and the Methodist Church in that we’re here to serve. We’re here to serve the people of our community,” said Pat Shanower, a member of Community United Methodist Church who helped plan the event.
“I want it known within our community that different faiths can work together,” said Dr. Atif Fakhruddin, a nephrologist.
For any patients that needed more direct treatment, they could register for the Islamic Center’s appointment-based free health clinic at the event.
“It’s open to everyone, doesn’t matter race, religion, social status, or immigration status,” said Khan. “We provide total free medical care to them that includes physical examination, consultation, free medications, and basic lab work.”
This was just the first health fair offered by the Islamic Center and Methodist Church, though there are no officials plans yet, both groups say they would love to hold more.
Naperville News 17’s Blane Erwin reports.
