Abstract
This report describes the history, development, organizational models, and identity components of 10 Muslim community-based health organizations in four cities (Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and Houston) and of the populations
they serve. It is based on a review of historical materials, site visits, and interviews with 43 individuals affiliated with these organizations. Since 1990, these organizations have provided free or low-cost primary care services to Muslims and non-Muslims in their cities. They were, for the most part, started as organizations through which American Muslims could give back to their communities and were oriented in a range of ways around Islamic values. They have negotiated and evolved to meet challenges related to nonprofit management, funding, physical space, staffing and the recruitment and retention of volunteer physicians. We explore the implications of these new organizations on local and state public health efforts, future Muslim community-based health organizations and the American health care landscape as a whole.