About the Organization

Expertise. Empathy. Empowerment.

We believe patients receive the best possible care when their providers truly understand their background, experiences, needs, and concerns. That’s why our staff speaks up to 10 languages commonly spoken by our patient population, and holds a deep appreciation for the ethnic and cultural traditions that inform their experiences.

We take an empathetic approach to providing healthcare and a number of other supportive services, from finding health insurance and understanding benefits, to coordinating care and facing obstacles related to aging. At Hamdard Health Alliance, patients and community members will find both a supportive and empowering partner dedicated to making sure they experience the excellence in care that all people deserve.

Our History

Hamdard is the Urdu word for “one who empathizes.” It’s a term of great importance to our mission, and represents how we’ve approached our patients, community members, and growing team for 30 years.

Founded in 1992 by Dr. Mohammad Hamid and the late Dr. Farzana Hamid, Hamdard Health Alliance began as a proactive response to the lack of mental health support for South Asian and Middle Eastern communities on the north side of Chicago. During these early years, we expanded our programs to include critical domestic violence services that empower victims, preserve their dignity, and foster their sense of worth.

Building on this rich history of creating safe, welcoming spaces for individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, Hamdard Health continued to seek new ways to improve lives and increase access to essential public health services. We moved to our current site in Rogers Park, and opened a second location in Addison, developing strong partnerships with numerous other social service providers and nonprofit organizations in those communities.

In 2013, the organization was granted Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status, allowing us to increase our footprint and become a true medical home delivering a full range of healthcare services at our two existing centers.

Hamdard Health Bensenville opened its doors in May 2021, and we are excited to begin extensive improvements to our Rogers Park Center this summer, continuing our growth efforts and commitment to bringing a transformative model of care to more individuals and families.