Saint Francis Hospital Community Outreach

In 2025, Dr. Merna Haridi, current PGY 3 Family Medicine resident at Saint Francis Hospital, initiated a community outreach event that continues into 2026, taking place on one day during the holy month of Ramadan at the Diyanet Mosque in New Castle, Del.

The event aims to build meaningful partnerships between the local Muslim community and Saint Francis Hospital by increasing awareness of accessible, culturally competent outpatient health care services.

Held one evening during Ramadan after the fast is broken, the initiative provides free blood pressure screenings and hemoglobin A1c testing while offering education on the prevention and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as counseling on the importance of prenatal care.

The event, held on March 14 this year, also includes faith-conscious counseling on safe hydration, balanced nutrition, and recognizing warning signs of hypoglycemia and dehydration while fasting.

By combining community engagement with practical health education, the program empowers individuals to make informed health decisions during Ramadan and connects them with trusted primary care resources that support both their medical and spiritual well-being.

In 2026, special appreciation was extended to Dr. Haridi and Dr. Maria Henriquez, along with former Saint Francis Family Medicine graduates Dr. Ghazaleh Barghgir and Dr. Raheel Awan, for their dedication to community-centered care.