Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset. During fasting hours, individuals abstain from food, water, and oral medications, which can present unique challenges for medication management and health care.

As healthcare providers, it’s essential to collaborate with patients observing Ramadan to create personalized care plans that honor their spiritual commitments while prioritizing their safety and well-being. A respectful and culturally sensitive approach fosters trust and ensures better health outcomes.

To support health providers, we’ve developed a comprehensive Ramadan Provider Toolkit (see links in the sidebar) featuring :

We encourage you to utilize and share these resources with your healthcare teams and patients to enhance culturally competent care during Ramadan.

Videos for Providers- Harborview Medical Center Pharmacist: Guidance

1. Harborview Medical Center Pharmacist- Ramadan Fasting Preparation
Pharmacist, Tiffany Erickson shares important questions and considerations to discuss with your patients who may be fasting.

2. Harborview Medical Center Pharmacist- Breaking a Ramadan Fast
Pharmacist, Tiffany Erickson talks about high-carb foods and the need to adjust medications and timing. She also addresses hydration and diet and lifestyle changes.

3. Harborview Medical Center Pharmacist- Other Ramadan Considerations
Pharmacist, Tiffany Erickson reminds providers to respect this spiritual time for patients. She also talks about stipend (fidya), as an option for individuals with chronic medical issues.

Videos for Patients – Diabetes Patient Education for Ramadan Fasting
(in English & Somali)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow shares patient education for diabetic individuals who plan to fast during Ramadan. This is a short English language video.

SOMALI LANGUAGE: Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow shares patient education for diabetic individuals who plan to fast during Ramadan. This is a short SOMALI LANGUAGE video.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow shares patient education for diabetic individuals who are fasting during Ramadan. This quick English language video discusses the symptoms of hypoglycemia and suggested steps to take.

SOMALI LANGUAGE: Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow shares patient education for diabetic individuals who are fasting during Ramadan. This quick English language video discusses the symptoms of hypoglycemia and suggested steps to take.

Provider Education Video – Ramadan Fasting Terms to be Familiar With

Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow explains key terms to help healthcare providers better support Muslim patients who fast during Ramadan. Learn how cultural understanding can improve patient care, medication management, and communication during fasting.

Health Provider Guidance for Ramadan- this printable PDF (LINK) covers several medication management consideration for health providers. Please print and share with your health provider team.

We partnered with Othello Station Pharmacies and created a social media slideshow for health providers. A link to the reel in the sidebar, please download and share on your social channels.

Here is a PDF for your health clinic with links to the video collection, please download and share!