Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awards 2017 Leadership in Diversity Award

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Tags: Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina , Foundations

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The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awarded its 2017 Leadership in Diversity Award to Reshma Khan, M.D., founder and executive director of the Shifa Free Clinic, a program of the Islamic Circle of North America Relief USA.

Established in 2011, the award honors an individual or organization that has played an important role around leadership and diversity, and is willing to take a stand on important issues that affect those with less resources in South Carolina. Dr. Reshma Khan was honored at a celebratory luncheon in Mount Pleasant on August 23.

Fueled with a passion to serve the uninsured at the same level as those who have insurance, in 2012 Dr. Reshma Khan dedicated all of her efforts on a volunteer basis to start up and develop the Shifa Free Clinic. Since then, the Shifa Free Clinic has experienced tremendous growth, and currently serves a range of multispecialty needs, including primary care, advanced gyn, vision care, vaccine, mental health, pediatric services and an onsite dispensary for free medications for the uninsured, indigent and immigrant populations regardless of race, religion, gender, or ethnicity. The Shifa Free Clinic also serves as a portal of goodness, offering outreach programs addressing hunger prevention and food pantry/delivery, back-to-school giveaways, a clothes closet and educational programs for the community, which includes graduating medical and nurse practitioner students.

Dr. Khan’s passion for the community extends far beyond the clinic. She serves as an active participant in multiple interfaith programs in Charleston, an inspirational speaker, on the board of trustees at the Central Mosque of Charleston, and she helped work to initiate and establish the College of Charleston Muslim Student Association.

“Dr. Khan is a perfect example of an individual that has embraced diversity and challenged others to recognize the disparities and inequalities that exist for underserved populations,” said Tom Keith, president of Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. “Her active leadership in multi-faith programs and service to humanity benefits individuals served at the Shifa Free Clinic along with so many others across the Low Country that aspire to make a difference addressing issues of inclusion, equity and social justice.”

In attendance yesterday were members of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina Board and staff. Community speakers included Brother Abdul Rauf Khan, assistant executive director of the Islamic Circle of North America Relief, USA; Gino Castillo, patient and community member of the Shifa Free Clinic; Kim Clifton, executive director of Helping and Lending Outreach Support (HALOS); and Jennet Alterman, community leader and advocate. First Lady of the City of Charleston, Mrs. Sandy Tecklenburg, presented the Mayor of Charleston John Tecklenburg’s Proclamation of Wednesday, August 23, 2017, as “Dr. Reshma Khan Day.”

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.

Pictured above are Dr. Reshma Khan and Dr. Maria Kratsios, foundation board member.