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May 2021

Community Health Newsletter

"We're here for you!"

We believe everyone should have access to a doctor, especially during a pandemic.

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By the Community Health team at Cherry Hill Free Clinic.

Note: We’re now back to seeing patients in person, as well as virtually! Please call us to schedule an appointment: (856) 281-3032.

Top Stories

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Second Ramadan in times of Covid-19 Pandemic

BY NERTILA CANA

For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, our Muslim friends, neighbors, and Muslims all over the world observed the annual ritual fast of Ramadan. The lunar month of Ramadan this year began on the evening of Monday, April 12, 2021; the first day of fasting was Tuesday, April 13. Ramadan is a month- long fasting for observant Muslims during sunlight hours. It is a complete fast - no eating, or drinking; and yes, not even water. As demanding as the month is on the physical bodies, Muslims look forward to this special month of worship and welcome it every year with great joy and excitement.

Community is an important part of the Ramadan experience: getting-together for iftars (breaking of the fast), and long nightly prayer in mosques. However, we cannot partake fully in these activities yet. Some local mosques are offering partial services on site (with Covid-19 restrictions of course), while most programs will continue to be held virtually. Similar to other communities, local Muslims are being creative in observing and celebrating their religious traditions with “Grab-N-Go Iftars”, “Iftar in a Box”, “Curbside Iftars”, gathering online for special Ramadan programs, etc.

This is the second Ramadan impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and with the increased rollout and availability of vaccines, many Muslims are thinking about whether receiving the Covid-19 vaccine injection will interfere with the fasting of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims always raise concerns about any medications that could break or invalidate the fast. This year, the Covid-19 vaccine is one of these concerns.

We reached out to local imams (Muslim leaders) and asked them to address the question “Will taking a vaccine break my fast in Ramadan?” Here is what they have to say: "Will taking a vaccine break my fast in Ramadan?".

We hope and pray that the end of these trying times is near, and that the vaccine will contribute towards the return of normalcy in our everyday lives. On behalf of the CHFC, we wish you and your families a happy and blessed month - Ramadan Mubarak!

Additional read: “From beans and rice to BBQ: Muslim Americans’ Ramadan cuisine reflects their diversity - Iftar, or breaking fast, is more than pita and hummus.”

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Tips on Staying Healthy in Ramadan

BY ELHUSSEIN IBRAHIM

Between work, children, classes and other responsibilities, it is easy to completely let go of taking care of your health during Ramadan. However, it is important to make an effort to stay healthy. Here are some tips:

👉 Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water!

👉 When breaking your fast, a few sweets are okay but try to avoid overeating them!

👉 Make an effort to eat a healthy and balanced meal!

👉 Try to set aside time to go on a walk, whether it is before or after iftar. Exercise is important!

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Stop AAPI Hate

BY MICHELLE PHAM

In recent months an alarming rise of Asian hate crimes has occurred. The onset of the coronavirus pandemic, divisive language, and fear-mongering has caused Asian Americans to be the target of multiple attacks and assaults. Most recently in the 2021 Atlanta Spa Shootings, 8 people were killed with 6 being Asian women. The shooter targeted three Asian-owned spas in the Atlanta area. The recent shooting has raised alarms of the recent plight of Asian Americans to the masses; however, issues regarding targeted hate crimes are not new. Hate crimes towards Asian Americans have shot up 150% in 2020. These crimes are indiscriminate of age and gender, seeing as children and the elderly have been the target of many of these heinous acts.

It is important to understand that scapegoating a single group of people is harmful and just an excuse to perpetuate racism. The staff at the Cherry Hill Free Clinic do not condone any racism against any group of people and advocate for our communities to stand united against racism.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to report an incident you can visit Stop AAPI Hate.

​Donate to Stop AAPI Hate.​

​Learn more about recent events:​Anti-Asian Hate Crime Crosses Racial and Ethnic Lines​

What can you do to stop Asian hate? What you can do to fight violence and racism against Asian Americans.​

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COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in NJ

BY NERTILA CANA & HINDIRA GARCIA

Upcoming Eligibility Changes - As of Monday, April 19, 2021, all individuals aged 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination.

​Where, how, and when can I get vaccinated?​

Check out the Department of Health’sVax Matters newsletter. It includes updates on vaccine news as well as the state’s vaccination planning.

Interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination? There is a vaccine call center to register individuals in the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System available 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. in 240 languages! Call 1-855-568-0545.

Walk-ins

Appointments

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Q & A

BY HINDIRA GARCIA

This Q & A section directly comes from you! Our communities have questions in regards to the pandemic and its vaccines that we are ready to address.

1. How long does immunity from COVID-19 vaccination last? There is not a sure length of time and is still being researched now in regards to lasting immunity. However, getting the COVID-19 vaccine is much safer for you and the people around you who may be more exposed to the pandemic. Updates will be provided as soon as it is received.
2. Should I not take the vaccine if I am asthmatic? On the contrary! You should take the vaccine. People who are asthmatic run the highest risk of being hospitalized if exposed to COVID-19. If you run any severe underlying allergic reactions to any of the vaccines, you may want to speak to your doctor to see what the next steps would be.
3. What are the ingredients in the vaccines? Each vaccine is composed of different ingredients. Attached are the links on the ingredients list for Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines as well as general information if interested.

​Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety | CDC​

​Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety | CDC​

​Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety | CDC​

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Questionnaire

BY HINDIRA GARCIA

Want your questions to be answered in the next newsletter? Vocalize yourself through our official CHFC Questionnaire and we will answer!

Take the Survey

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About Cherry Hill Free Clinic

Our Vision: An end to healthcare suffering from lack of access to care.

Our Mission: To provide free primary care to the uninsured and underinsured.In the ever-challenging world of healthcare, we often encounter people who suffer debilitating preventable conditions as a result of unmanaged chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure.

Managing those diseases and providing care means we are making an impact on the quality of people’s lives and hopefully keeping them out of the Emergency Room.

Did you know that 42% of the population lives below the poverty line, with the average income hovering around $26,000? According to the CDC, in Camden County almost 20% are uninsured. That’s 1/5 of your neighbors and friends!

We’re here for those in need, absolutely free.

Address: 5 Esterbrook Ln, Cherry Hill, NJ

Phone: (856) 281-3032

7 Days a Week | Mornings - Evenings

ELC funding made available to the Southern NJ Perinatal Cooperative from the New Jersey Department of Health – Division of Family Health