Explore how Gulf Medical Relief Fund is building bridges of trust in healthcare across New Orleans communities.

Tackling Health Disparities through

Community Education

The Gulf Medical Relief Fund takes a holistic and inclusive approach in its mission to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, especially in reaching out to minority and under-represented groups within the healthcare system. Our initiative goes beyond mere information dissemination; it's a concerted effort to bridge knowledge gaps and build trust within diverse communities. Partnering with a variety of community organizations, we focus on educating these groups about the COVID-19 vaccine, testing, and other critical aspects of the disease.

Understanding that every community has its unique set of challenges and needs, we tailor our approach to be culturally sensitive and relevant. We delve into the heart of each community, uncovering and addressing the specific factors that influence health decisions, such as historical mistrust, accessibility issues, and the broader social determinants of health.

Our work is rooted in the belief that knowledge is power. By providing clear, factual, and empathetic guidance about COVID-19, we aim to empower individuals to make informed health decisions. It's a journey towards not just overcoming a pandemic but also towards fostering a more informed and health-conscious community. At Gulf Medical Relief Fund, we are committed to not just navigating the present crisis, but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and equitable healthcare system for the future.

Nurturing Conversations and Addressing Minority Visibility In

Community Healthcare

The Gulf Medical Relief Fund has been at the forefront of tackling COVID-19 challenges, particularly in marginalized and under-represented communities. Our commitment to these communities is demonstrated through strategic partnerships with local faith-based organizations and healthcare providers, including Masjid Bilal, Masjid ur-Rahim, Masjid Ar-Rahma, Slidell Islamic Center, Jefferson Muslim Association, New Medina Muslim Community and Luke's House Community Clinic. Together, we've organized a series of presentations and community forums designed to address and dispel common misconceptions surrounding COVID-19.

Recognizing the critical role these community institutions play in influencing public perception, our collaborations have focused on creating informative and engaging dialogue. Through these forums, we've brought together healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and community influencers to present factual, science-based information in a culturally sensitive and accessible manner.

These efforts have provided a platform for open discussion, allowing community members to voice their concerns and questions about COVID-19, its impact, vaccine safety, and testing procedures. Our objective has been to foster an environment of trust and understanding, where misconceptions can be openly addressed and corrected.

In doing so, the Gulf Medical Relief Fund is not only contributing to the immediate fight against COVID-19 but also strengthening community bonds and trust in healthcare systems. Our partnerships reflect our dedication to a community-centric approach in healthcare, ensuring that accurate information reaches those who need it most, and paving the way for healthier, more resilient communities.

Developing Collaborative Research for

Impact & Representation

In our dedicated efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gulf Medical Relief Fund has taken an innovative approach by incorporating community feedback into our research. During our forums, conducted in partnership with organizations such as Masjid Bilal, Masjid ur-Rahim, Masjid Ar-Rahma, Slidell Masjid, and Luke's House Community Clinic, we conducted comprehensive surveys to gauge the community's understanding of COVID-19.

These surveys, pivotal in our research, have provided us with invaluable insights into the knowledge gaps, concerns, and perceptions prevalent in the community. Additionally, by attentively noting the key themes and questions that emerged during these forums, we have been able to identify and focus on the most pressing issues faced by these communities.

This grassroots approach to data collection is instrumental in shaping our ongoing research. It allows us to tailor our strategies and interventions to be more effective, relevant, and culturally sensitive. The goal of this research is not just to understand the community's perspective but to utilize this understanding to develop more targeted health communication and intervention strategies. Ultimately, this will enhance our efforts in combating misinformation, improving health literacy, and fostering a stronger trust in healthcare among these diverse communities.

Updated COVID-19 Resources for Community Spaces are Available Here

Sponsored by

Our Community Partners

Meet the Team

  • Hamada Rady, PhD, RPh

    Expert consultant on vaccine development and community education

  • Mohamed Amine Belkhouche

    Content Developer and Community Engagement Coordiantor

  • Rayyan Behi

    Student Intern, Xavier University of Louisiana

  • Adam Aldahir

    Student Intern, Tulane University

  • Amal Ibrahim

    Community Coordinator, Somali Community