Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awards Sr. Reshma Khan its 2017 Leadership in Diversity Award
August 27, 2017
The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awarded Dr. Reshma Khan, Founder and Executive Director of The Shifa Free Clinic, a program of the Islamic Circle of North America Relief USA, the 2017 Leadership in Diversity Award.
Established in 2011, this 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, 2017.
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 Shifa Free 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 helped work to initiate and establish a Muslim Student Association at the College of Charleston.
“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 multifaith 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 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”.
Dr. Khan is a beacon of hope working steadfastly to bring communities together to build bridges of peace and understanding. We are grateful for the leadership of Dr. Reshma Khan and congratulate her as the recipient of the 2017 Leadership in Diversity Award from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.
About the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina
The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, established in 1996, is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System. The Foundation is committed to addressing the needs of the poor and underserved in all 46 South Carolina counties, and strategically uses resources to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership.
