(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/10/2010) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Chapter joined an interreligious training session today for spiritual care volunteers at the Hospice of the Western Reserve.

The panel was part of a comprehensive training program for spiritual care volunteers who serve at various hospice centers in Northern Ohio that are part of the Hospice of the Western Reserve. The panel covered issues related to death and dying from the perspective of different traditions such as Buddhism; Islam; Christianity; Judaism; Atheism and Humanism. CAIR’s representative presented the Islamic view of illness and death; interacting with Muslim patients and families; palliative care for the Muslim patient; religious rituals; end of life issues; burial practices; organ donation; etc.

CAIR offers a number of presentations for healthcare practitioners. To arrange an in-service or for information about CAIR speakers, contact CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, jshearson@cair.com, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247.

CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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