(CLEVELAND, OH, 5/22/08) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) recently offered training for nurse case managers at Medical Mutual Company, Ohio’s oldest and largest health insurance provider, which is headquartered in Cleveland.

The training, entitled “Optimizing Care for Muslim Patients and Clients,” offered information on what health care providers should know about Islam and Muslims, including basic beliefs and practices and tools and suggestions for interacting with Muslim patients and clients. The training offered an Islamic perspective on health and illness and covered topics such as patient-provider communication, modesty in the clinical setting, diet and hygiene, and end-of-life issues.

“The goal of our training is to provide information and effective tools to help healthcare providers meet the needs of Muslim patients,” said CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson. “A holistic health assessment takes into account cultural and religious beliefs, and by delivering culturally competent medical care, providers can help bring about the best possible health outcomes.”

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

CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247, E-Mail: events@cleveland.cair.com; Isam Zaiem, 216.337.7928, E-mail: isamz@sbcglobal.net