Welcome to Ziad Healthcare

Where did Z.I.A.D. begin?

Z.I.A.D. Healthcare for the Underserved Inc. is a 501c3 Non Profit organization that came to be in 2002 when four individuals sat down and looked for ways to help provide access to the uninsured. Specifically they looked at those that fall through cracks, some 46,000,000 people in the United States. These are the people that work part time jobs (making them unqualified for governmental assistance), and receive no coverage from their employers, and cannot afford the premiums of health insurance.

Z.I.A.D. derives its name from the names of its founders Ray Zak, Iqbal Nasser MD, Ibraham Ahmed ND, Theodore Densley MD. Z.I.A.D. primarily works with private doctors to find a primary care home for the uninsured on a sliding scale program where they receive reduced office costs based on federal poverty guidelines.

If you are a primary care office and would like to participate in the program please call 313-815-8767.

In the News

Board President Receives Award

On August 9, 2022 Ray Zak the president of the board of ZIAD received a prestigious award from the Wayne County Health Authority for the work done by him in leadership of ZIAD Healthcare for the Underserved.

The plaque was awarded and titled “The Best Safety Net Award” with the following inscription:

“On The ninth day of August , 2022, in recognition for extraordinary commitment and service to community health care, we recognize Ray Zak.” The plaque was signed by Gail Warden and Chris Allen of the Wayne County Health Authority. Congratulations to Ray Zak on his devoted leadership of Z.I.A.D.

ZIAD Participates in Health Fair

ZIAD Health Care for the Underserved participated in a health and community fair at Resurrection Lutheran Church Kelly Rd., Detroit, MI.. ZIAD provided the community with information on services that are available for the uninsured, and also provided Free Blood Pressure screening.The event was a cooperative program of three Lutheran churches in the Detroit area. Many residents turned out for the free information, screening, community togetherness, and some free hot dogs. Click here to see pictures from the event.

As always for information on health care call ZIAD at 313-815-8767


Big ImageA Letter from the Heart

Dear Friends of ZIAD,

I have been blessed my entire life with the luxury of health insurance. My Father provided for me when I was a child, and I have been fortunate enough in my adult life to provide coverage for myself and my family. Recently, however, my son was stricken with a very rare blood disorder, and we were forced to live in a children’s hospital in Los Angeles for many weeks. I was able to see, first hand, how such a tragedy can financially ruin a family.

The bill for merely the first two weeks in the hospital came to just over $99,000 dollars. One bag of transfusable blood alone cost over $700 dollars. Our son faces a minimum of another 12 to 18 months of treatment. Without insurance, we would have been forced to declare bankruptcy, at the very least. There are thousands of families seeking care for loved ones with life-threatening and chronic afflictions every day. Sadly, the truth is there are many, many families that are turned away from facilities in this great country, only because they do not have enough medical insurance. Please help the gracious people of ZIAD provide care for the underinsured. If you have ever had a loved one need medical attention, you know the urgency of their mission.

Thank you, and may God bless your family with perfect health,

Paul Ganus

The Problem :

Nearly 46 million Americans, including more than 8 million children, are living without health insurance – forced to gamble every day that they won’t get sick or injured. That’s a risk no one should have to take. Uninsured Americans live sick and die younger than those with health insurance. Just one serious illness or injury can wipe out an uninsured family’s bank account, and the problem is getting worse.

ZIAD’s MISSION:

Big ImageTo provide health care, health education, physical fitness and other programs to uninsured, under insured, poor, working poor families, and individuals. To provide access to health care in underserved areas, and to the frail elderly.

3 Year Major Goals:

1) Expand the network of Private doctors offices, and services working with Z.I.A.D. Healthcare for the Underserved that provide primary healthcare as well as other services to underserved, poor, and working poor, and on a sliding scale basis to other geographical areas.

2) Expand services and assistance to the frail elderly.

3) To participate and collaborate with other organizations helping the uninsured or underinsured.

3) To participate and collaborate with Specialty, Pharmacy, Hospital, Dental and other programs to help the uninsured.

4) To identify, apply for and obtain grants that provide screening and outreach to identify disease early up.

Affiliates:

Sticker Sheets

Health & Fitness

Funding:

Donations: ZIAD Health Care for the Underserved Inc. is open to all donations public and private and has received Tax Exempt Status with the IRS (#75-3080830).

Donations can be made to ZIAD Health Care via PayPal. Below are buttons that you can use to donate now. We appreciate your donations very much.

Read the Latest

Telemedicine: Revolutionizing Healthcare Accessibility

Telemedicine, once a futuristic concept, has rapidly become an integral part of modern healthcare systems, revolutionizing the way patients receive medical care. With advancements in technology and the increasing availability of high-speed internet connections, telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly in remote or underserved areas. This article delves into the multifaceted impact of telemedicine on healthcare accessibility, exploring its benefits, challenges, and future prospects.

The Rise of Telemedicine

Telemedicine refers to the delivery of healthcare services remotely, leveraging telecommunications technology. It encompasses a wide range of services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, telepsychiatry, and telepharmacy. The roots of telemedicine can be traced back to the early experiments with telegraph and telephone communication for medical consultations. However, it is the advent of digital technologies and the internet that have propelled telemedicine into mainstream healthcare practice.

Impact on Healthcare Accessibility

Telemedicine has democratized healthcare by breaking down barriers to access. One of its most significant impacts is improving access to medical expertise, particularly in rural or underserved areas where healthcare facilities may be scarce. Patients can now consult with specialists located miles away without the need for travel, reducing both time and cost barriers. Moreover, telemedicine has proven invaluable in emergency situations, enabling remote diagnosis and timely intervention, thereby potentially saving lives.

Furthermore, telemedicine enhances access to healthcare for individuals with mobility limitations or chronic illnesses who may find it challenging to visit traditional healthcare facilities regularly. By allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes, telemedicine promotes continuity of care and empowers patients to actively engage in managing their health.

Telemedicine also plays a vital role in addressing mental health disparities. With the stigma often associated with seeking mental healthcare, telepsychiatry offers a discreet and convenient alternative. Patients can access counseling or psychiatric services remotely, facilitating early intervention and ongoing support for mental health conditions.

Challenges and Considerations

While telemedicine holds immense promise, it is not without its challenges. One primary concern is ensuring patient privacy and data security in the digital realm. Healthcare providers must adhere to strict regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States, to safeguard patient information transmitted electronically.

Another challenge is the digital divide, where individuals lacking access to reliable internet connectivity or digital devices may be excluded from telemedicine services. Bridging this gap requires collaborative efforts from policymakers, healthcare organizations, and technology providers to ensure equitable access to telemedicine services for all segments of the population.

Additionally, there are regulatory and reimbursement complexities that vary across regions and healthcare systems, impacting the widespread adoption of telemedicine. Policymakers must enact supportive legislation and reimbursement policies to incentivize healthcare providers to integrate telemedicine into their practice and ensure reimbursement parity with in-person care.

Future Directions

As technology continues to evolve, the future of telemedicine holds promise for even greater advancements. Innovations such as wearable health monitoring devices, artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, and virtual reality simulations are poised to further enhance the capabilities of telemedicine.

Moreover, telemedicine has demonstrated its resilience during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where it emerged as a critical tool for delivering care while minimizing the risk of viral transmission. Going forward, healthcare systems will likely integrate telemedicine more deeply into their infrastructure, establishing hybrid models of care that combine virtual and in-person services to optimize patient outcomes and healthcare delivery efficiency.

Conclusion

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, revolutionizing accessibility, and delivery of medical services. By overcoming geographical barriers, enhancing patient convenience, and expanding access to specialized care, telemedicine has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in healthcare access. However, realizing the full potential of telemedicine requires concerted efforts to address technological, regulatory, and socioeconomic challenges. As we navigate towards a digitally-driven healthcare landscape, telemedicine stands as a beacon of innovation, promising to reshape the future of healthcare delivery for the better.