On Sunday, September 19th, 2021, Project Downtown Orlando (PDO) held a special service at the Christian Service Center in Downtown Orlando. In partnership with American Muslim Community Clinics (AMCC), PDO was able to provide free medical services to the individuals at the service center in the form of a mobile clinic. After much organization and groundwork, PDO and AMCC were able to provide a much-needed service, giving to the people who need it the most, during a time where healthcare is of the utmost importance.  

The AMCC Mobile Clinic is a part of the broader American Muslim Community Centers. Their mission is to provide “free, quality medical services while reflecting the moral values of Islam.” They offer primary care, dental care, and other specialty services to uninsured individuals in Central Florida. They have a free clinic based in Longwood, Florida where they provide the majority of their services, as well as a mobile clinic that can travel to communities with limited transportation. Their specialty services include OB-GYN, Nephrology, and Mental Health Services. They are also hoping to provide even more specialties in the future through their various partnerships. Furthermore, they provide free imaging and free lab tests, via partnerships with organizations such as Advent Health. Their mobile clinic, a repurposed ambulance, offers general medical checkups, treatments for minor injuries, education, as well as referrals to the Longwood clinic for specialty services. 

AMCC provides critical care to some of the most vulnerable populations. They do this through their various partnerships as well as their passionate staff. Emir, a front desk associate who has volunteered with AMCC for over a year, stated that he appreciates AMCC because they “Help those that need it the most.” AMCC not only satisfies this objective, but they go above and beyond. According to Tahiti Choudhury, the Longwood Clinic office manager, they aim to provide the type of care that would only be available to individuals with insurance. They do everything in their power to make sure the patient comes first, and is the center of care, even though they do not have insurance. They want to make sure that the patient gets the care before it’s too late before their condition becomes unmanageable. For example, as stated by an AMCC volunteer, if vulnerable patients had the resources to manage a variety of issues, such as mental health conditions, they might be able to avoid homelessness altogether. The entire initiative is the first of many partnered events between PDO and the AMSS Clinic.

 “If we can bring out the mobile clinic on a regular basis, we can expand the services provided at the mobile day center to minimize the health disparities seen in this Orlando community. Providing free medical assistance, no matter how small, lifts a huge burden from the members of the unsheltered community.” – Ebraheem Naser, President of Project Downtown Orlando.

During the event on September 19th, 2021, the mobile clinic checked in 20 patients, and was able to see 16 patients. At the event, the mobile clinic was able to provide services that included blood pressure checks, glucose checks, referrals, as well as other primary care services. They also offered free over-the-counter medications as well as prescriptions to fill much-needed medications. Additionally, they have partnerships with various pharmacies, such as the Longwood pharmacy, where patients may receive reduced-price medications if they are referred by the AMCC. This was all possible because of the tireless and generous work done by the volunteers. At the event, we had a physician assistant as the primary provider, as well as medical assistants to check patient vitals, and front desk personnel to check in patients. 

Throughout the event, the organizations and volunteers made sure that the patients came first. There was a check-in station, an area to check vitals, and a waiting area prior to entering the mobile clinic. All of the various locations were under tents to provide shade to the patients. There were also drink stations set up to combat the Florida heat. The patients themselves were also very appreciative of the effort shown by the organizations and volunteers. When asked what they were most appreciative of after their visit, a patient stated it was the fact that the clinic was mobile, bringing free healthcare to individuals who do not have any other option. This event brought free healthcare to some of the most vulnerable patients, those that fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.   

“Teaming up with the energetic young volunteers of Project Downtown to serve the vulnerable forgotten peoples in our communities reminds me of a quote from the greatest boxer that ever lived ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room on earth’ (Muhammad Ali). These young volunteers are paying it forward and I am honored to work with them to alleviate the sufferings of humanity.” – Atif Fareed, Executive Director of AMSS Clinic

If you would like to donate to support the mission of the American Muslim Community Clinics, please click the following donation link: https://amssclinic.org/donate/