SLEEPING BAG DISTRIBUTION
Saturday January 9, 2021:
With temperatures dipping down below freezing, not every homeless person has enough layers to protect them from the harsh winter nights. Shelters in the DC area were full and many homeless people were afraid to go to shelters because of the fear of contracting COVID-19. APPNA-DMV took the initiative and purchased 70 high quality sleeping bags for distribution. We collaborated with Make Space to distribute hygiene kits, as well. Dr. Javed Akhter, Dr. Asima Cheema, Dr. Samia Piracha, Dr. A.R. Piracha, Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Dr. Irfan Suleman, Dr. Irfan Saeed and Dr. Nadra Khan represented the chapter.
COMPUTER DONATION FOR THE SENIOR CLASS OF THURGOOD MARSHALL ACADEMY, WASHINGTON, DC.
On 2/26/21, APPNA DMV donated 80 laptop computers to the entire senior graduating class of Thurgood Marshall Academy in Ward 8, Anacostia, Washington DC. An amount of $18,000 was spent on this project. On the occasion, Councilman White represented the Mayor’s office. Director of School Mr. Weedman, and Ms. Isra Bhatty were also present on the occasion. Dr. Nadra Khan described APPNA DMV services to the community in her speech. Councilman White showed his appreciation for APPNA DMV. Dr. Samina Piracha, Dr. Asima Cheema, Dr. Javed Akhter, and Dr. irfan Saeed also represented the chapter. Dr. Tayyib Rana has been the lead physician and has worked very hard on this project.
COVID-19 VACCINATION
Dr. Javed Akhter represented APPNA-DMV to administer COVID-19 shots at Make Space. More than 200 shots were administered between 2pm-5:30pm. Imam Zia and his wife along with other volunteers from Make Space did an amazing job to organize it all in just three weeks.
FOOD DISTIBUTION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ICNA RELIEF:
Our chapter has worked in the past year and has continued to raise funds for food distribution with ICNA. In January, we raised funds for ICNA food distribution and it was matched by the center. A total of $4000 was donated to ICNA.
Ali Khan Mosque food distribution in Maryland
Our first food distribution in partnership with ICNA was on January 16th, at the request of Ali Khan Mosque in Suitland, Maryland. Fresh groceries and dry food was distributed to 125 families. Dr. Javed Akhter, Dr. Asima Cheema, Dr. Irfan Suleman, Dr. Tazeen Rahman, Dr. Zubair Niazi, Dr. Nadra Khan and Mr. Nasir Khan volunteered.
Senior citizen complex food distribution in Reston, Virginia
On 2/14, fresh and dry groceries were distributed to the residents of a low-income subsidized senior citizens complex in Reston, VA. About 115 residents were served with the spirit of sharing on Valentine’s Day. Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Dr. Samia Piracha, Dr. Irfan Suleman and Mr. Adnan Sheikh volunteered on behalf of APPNA.
HOT MEALS FOR CARPENTER SHELTER IN ALEXANDRIA:
APPNA-DMV volunteers have been supporting the shelter on a bi-weekly bases with 35 lunches. This project is being led by Dr. Naheed Saleem and Dr. Samia Piracha. Dr. Aisha Nasir, Dr. Reema C. Ali, Dr. Sumeral Matin, Dr. Khadija Alvi, and Dr. Saira Sheikh have been helping in this project.
Hot meals were distributed on January 12, January 17, February 9, February 29. March 9 and March 21.
HEALTH FAIR WITH ICNA:
A health fair was held for two days with ICNA to provide health education to the general public on 3/27 and 3/28.
Patients had their cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure checked. They were advised on life style modifications and treatment recommendations. Referrals were also provided for the MCC Mosque free clinic.
The health fair was held in College Park, Maryland on 3/27 and Lanham, Maryland on 3/28. Dr. Attiya Khan, Dr. Ahmed Nawaz, Dr. Tariq Mahmood, and Dr. Nadra Khan represented APPNA DMV on 3/27. Dr. Huma Shakil and Dr. Ahmed Nawaz represented APPNA DMV on 3/28.
RENOVATION OF BATHROOMS FOR MUSLIM WOMEN SHELTER IN BALTIMORE:
Bathrooms at Al-Nissa Shelter were in need of repair and it was brought to our attention in 2020. Dr. Zubair Niazi and Dr. Nadra Khan collected funds, and at the request of Dr. Nadra Khan, multiple female physicians from Maryland (including non-members of APPNA), decided to contribute money for this endeavor. Two bathrooms were renovated in March 2021.
