We are fundraising to open a free and accessible health clinic at the Muslim American Society (MAS) mosque located in Alexandria, Virginia. We hope to serve the diverse community here with access to free health care on a consistent basis. The clinic will be a fully functioning facility permanently situated at MAS open to all those in the community who need it. Please support in whatever way you can, Jazakallahu khair.

Background:

The lack of access to proper medical care is a pressing problem for many lower socioeconomic neighborhoods in many metropolitans across the US. The underinsured are 25% more likely to die prematurely than those with private health insurance. Domestically in the US, the issue of proper healthcare continues to be unresolved as many families suffer from lack of access or financial ability to seek appropriate care. About 16% of all Virginians are living with no health insurance.

Impacts of being uninsured:

Health suffers severely: Uninsured Americans have lower cancer survival rates, a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with diseases at later stages (including cancer), a far lower rate of receiving important screening tests, and are more likely to have preventable hospitalizations.  (Source:  Kaiser Family Foundation, 2019)
Do not receive the care they need: Uninsured adults in Virginia are much less likely than insured adults to receive care or to have a usual source for health care, and are more likely to have unmet health needs. (Source:  Profile of Virginia’s Uninsured)
Medical needs are unmet: More than 40% of uninsured adult Virginians had an unmet need for care in the last year because of the financial difficulty of paying for health care (44.4%).
Financial Implications Can Be Significant: More than half of the uninsured in the U.S. report difficulties paying their medical bills and about 50% of unpaid medical bills of the uninsured go into collection. (Source: National Bureau of Economic Research). And, most uninsured patients do not get free or reduced cost care (73%). (Source:  Kaiser Family Foundation, 2019).
Children who are uninsured fare more poorly: Children who are uninsured do not have a usual source of health care and are less likely to graduate from high school. Health coverage provides children access to needed care and promotes improved health, education, and financial success over the long-term.