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Even before Hurricane Katrina forever affected life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Coastal Family Health Center’s east Biloxi clinic served the health care needs of the residents in the area. When the hurricane hit, the clinic was completely damaged and rendered nonfunctional. Seeing the need for medical relief in the region, Islamic Relief stepped in to purchase a double-wide mobile home structure to be converted into a primary health care facility. The cost of buying and installing the mobile facility was over $46,000.

“Thanks to the generous donation of the Islamic Relief Double-Wide Clinic and equipment, we have been able to serve approximately 7,500 patients,” said Coastal Family Health Center Executive Director Joe M. Dawsey.

Islamic Relief also provided the clinic with medicines and basic startup equipment, such as examination tables. The clinic operates with a staff of over 30 members, including physicians, nurse practitioners, dental staff, substance abuse counselors, and clerical staff.

“The major types of illnesses we have been treating in the clinic are upper respiratory infections, injuries during cleanup, chronic illnesses, substance abuse and HIV,” Dawsey said. “Besides medical services, we have added dental, HIV/AIDS services and substance abuse counseling in the double-wide.”

In the short few weeks following the hurricane, the mobile home was purchased, the lot was cleaned and medical supplies and equipment were brought in to help the clinic back onto its feet. The city of Biloxi and Councilman Bill Stallworth assisted in reopening the clinic. The clinic staff of the damaged building were ready to work in the new facility once it was set up. The clinic is operating to this day and is the main place east Biloxi residents go to receive their health care.

 Medications donated by Islamic Relief to the clinic group were distributed along the Mississippi coastal clinics in Biloxi, Long Beach, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, and Vancleave.

“We appreciate all of the help given by Islamic Relief to Coastal and the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and assure you that your generous donation will not be forgotten,” Dawsey said.