On November 11th 2023, MERA successfully hosted out first ever health fair at Zakat Foundation of America’s Community Center in Durham, NC. Serving more than 130 local community members, MERA promoted health prioritization and sustainable solutions.

As a result of collaboration with Zakat Foundation, UNC EMS, Carolina Nursing, UNC Mobile Health, and MyEyeDr, we were able to offer first aid crash courses, CPR demonstrations, vision screenings, blood glucose checks, blood pressure checks, nutritional advice, dental demonstrations, insurance advice, and flu vaccinations all free of charge for all attendees. We also served hot food and had groceries, toothbrush kits, toy bags, health product provisions, maternal health goods, and hygiene products available for the taking.

Health professionals, including MDs, nurses, optometrists, registered dieticians, and EMTs, were also in attendance to provide professional advice, opinion, and referral if necessary. Arabic, Spanish, Dari, Urdu, and Pashto translators were also available at attendees disposal to ensure traditional language barriers did not bar anyone from pursuing care and service.

As a nonprofit start-up proximal to major universities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC State University, and Duke University, collaborating with local student organizations has aided in the advancement of our fundraising efforts.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, MERA has organized bake sales, soccer tournaments, lunch sales, henna events, haircuts, and more in collaboration with on-campus Arab Student Organizations and/or Muslim Student Associations. Donations from these fundraisers have contributed to emergency aid efforts in Morocco (after the earthquakes), Libya (after the flood), and Palestine (since the declaration of war).

Each individual on MERA’s board of directors currently attends UNC-Chapel Hill, easing the organization of these on-campus initiatives.

coming soon…