Doctoral Candidate
Johns Hopkins Medicine
FOCUS
My focus area is on increasing access to health care using an equitable lens. Today, people with special health care needs, chronic illness, and caregivers experience additional limitations in attaining optimal health outcomes. Through collaborating with insurance providers, policy makers, health care providers, and community-based providers, I envision a culture of health that is accessible to all.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE: Muslim American Social Services (MASS) Clinic for Free, Safe, and Inclusive Healthcare
My srategic initiative with the MASS Clinic, a nonprofit, volunteer-led, multicultural community organization that is dedicated to providing free, high-quality healthcare services for uninsured residents of Duval County (Jacksonville, Florida) at or below the 200 percent poverty level. Through this partnership, we will provide free and safe healthcare services to those who are unable to access and afford such services, promote equality and equity for all, foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity, and promote practices of fairness and social justice. My initiative will be used to bolster sustainability and the funding of MASS Clinic health databases and marketing efforts. It will improve community engagement, enhance community health assessments, improve health outcomes, and work with community partners to develop, implement, and monitor the hopeful success via an improvement plan.
MORE ABOUT DARREN
After earning a football scholarship to West Virginia University and excelling on the field, my passion to improve the health of my community began to outweigh my love of the sport. My health was improving, but that of so many of my neighbors, family, and friends was worsening. I decided to commit my life to helping others, being an advocate for the improvement of the health of my environment.