Andrew Hopper, MD, Mitchell Goldstein, MD, MBA, CML, Munaf Kadri, MD
Dr. Munaf Kadri, a member of the founding board of the University Muslim Medical Association (UMMA) Community Clinic, was recently recognized for his outstanding contributions to community healthcare. Dr. Kadri’s journey began in the aftermath of the 1992 riots in South Los Angeles when he and other founding members initiated the UMMA Community Clinic as a volunteer effort to provide high-quality care to the underserved.
Pictures: UMMA Clinic exterior and interior
UMMA Community Clinic’s (UMMA) mission is to promote the well-being of the underserved by providing access to high-quality health care for all, regardless of ability to pay. UMMA envisions itself as part of a larger network of institutions addressing the health and well-being of the underserved and indigent, mindful of the cultural, spiritual, social, and economic realities impinging upon them and the traditional barriers to accessing care.
What started in an abandoned building has now become a remarkable achievement: the UMMA Community Clinic has evolved into a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operating across six locations and serving over 35,000 patients annually with a staff of 100+ full-time employees who provide an array of integrated healthcare services. This year marks the 25th anniversary of UMMA’s commitment to providing comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and community services.
UMMA’s patient population is 72% Latino and 21% African American. More than 41% of the patients live 100% below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), 31% are uninsured, and 62% are enrolled in public insurance programs that are often underinsured. UMMA serves people of all ages. 23% of the patients are under 17, 69% are aged 18-64, and 8% are 65 or older. More than 47% of the patients are best served in a language other than English.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, UMMA has rapidly seen the demand for critical medical, behavioral, oral health, and social services increase in South Los Angeles. In response, UMMA invested in a Mobile Health Clinic through a Health on Wheels Initiative to make primary care services more accessible to the underserved community. During this time, UMMA also doubled its Fremont Food Fair free services in response to a 200% increase in demand for food aid during the pandemic, reaching more than 2,500 community members in need and distributing more than 360,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables in 2020. UMMA distributed 371,053 pounds of fresh produce through the Fremont Free Food Fair in 2021. Considering UMMA’s patients’ unique digital and economic barriers, telehealth and telephonic services were introduced into UMMA’s care modalities in March 2020. UMMA completed 13,728 telehealth visits (video, telephone, and hybrid) in 2021.
UMMA community clinic has been recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Quality Leader. This designation reflects a commitment to increasing access to care for the community. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Los Angeles City Council, the United States House of Representatives, and the White House have honored UMMA for their work in South Los Angeles. In October 2020, UMMA was recognized by Assembly member Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. as the 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year for the 59th Assembly District for UMMA’s commitment to increasing access to high-quality healthcare and addressing critical social needs in South Los Angeles.
Picture: Dr. Elba Fayard congratulates Dr. Munaf Kadri on his receipt of the California State Assembly Award
Dr. Munaf Kadri has played a pivotal role in UMMA’s growth, serving in various capacities. Dr. Kadri’s impactful leadership has evolved from a dedicated volunteer physician to his role as Chairman of the Board and currently Chair of Development and Quality Improvement. Beyond his local contributions, Dr. Kadri has led mission-driven healthcare projects on a global scale, setting up clinics in South Asia and providing vital care in the Middle East.
Picture: Dr. Elba Fayard congratulates Dr. Munaf Kadri on receiving the United States Congress Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging his dedicated service over the past 25 years
In recognition of his tireless efforts, Dr. Kadri was awarded the United States Congress Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging his dedicated service over the past 25 years. Additionally, the California State Assembly honored him for his unwavering commitment to service and substantial contributions to the well-being of the South Los Angeles community.
“We are so proud of Dr. Munaf Kadri and his incredible achievements,” said Dr. Elba Fayard, Neonatal-Perinatal Division Chief, expressing the sentiment of the Department of Pediatrics at Loma Linda. “His vision and dedication have not only transformed a volunteer initiative into a thriving healthcare network but have also touched the lives of thousands, both locally and globally.”
Dr. Kadri’s recognition is a testament to the impact of community-driven initiatives and the transformative power of sustained dedication to healthcare. As UMMA celebrates its 25th anniversary, the spotlight on Dr. Munaf Kadri inspires future generations of healthcare professionals and community leaders..
Disclosure: The authors have no disclosures.