Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Thursday, May 22, 2025
    961
    Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok
    • Breaking News
    • Guides
    • Food & Drink
    • Listicles
    • Join the Team
    • Whatsapp
      • 961
      • 961 News
    • AUB Outdoors ☀️
    Advertise with Us Get the App
    961
    Home»News»Lebanon News
    Heal Beirut | Reuters
    4 Mins Read

    There’s A Free Service Offering Lebanese People Virtual Medical Support

    By Rim ZreinJanuary 1, 2021Updated:January 22, 2021
    Facebook WhatsApp Copy Link

    People in Lebanon who have been impacted by the Beirut Blast and are living the trauma of crises can now get medical support from this new non-profit organization by Lebanese expats in the United States.

    Gathering over 140 healthcare providers, Heal Beirut affords a remote medical consultancy venue, free of charge, in English, French, and Arabic, making it possible for all in Lebanon to use its services, and at no cost.

    Attending physicians, resident physicians, dentists, and psychologists are volunteering their time for people who have general medical questions, mental health questions, dental questions, or simply want someone to talk to.

    All sessions are conducted remotely via WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, or telephone.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Elmhurst Medicine (@elmhurstmedicine)

    Heal Beirut was launched a week after the catastrophic explosion by two Lebanese siblings, Dr. Marc Ayoub in New York and Dr. Noel Ayoub in California.

    The response from health providers was immediate, with over 140 signing up to volunteer their time and expertise.

    “In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, we, like all Lebanese abroad, were looking for ways to directly help the people on the ground. We knew multiple hospitals were damaged and the healthcare system was overburdened with COVID-19 and the explosion,” Dr. Noel Ayoub told The961.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Jo Kassis (@kassisien.playground)

    Soon after they launched, the founders realized that issues were present long before the explosion and so will likely persist long after.

    These include limited access to health care and the persistent stigma of mental health that hinders people from seeking the care they need and deserve. 

    “We created this platform to help victims of the explosion but very soon realized that the needs we were trying to help solve were not just related to the explosion,” Dr. Ayoub explained.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Heal Beirut (@healbeirut)

    He noted that Heal Beirut aims to help eliminate this stigma and make people feel comfortable seeking out care because “these are very real issues requiring real intervention and support”.

    One additional benefit of the platform is that the providers are outside of Lebanon. Not only does having international providers bring a unique perspective to treating these disorders, but it has also made people within Lebanon more comfortable seeking care.

    “The person on the other end of the line is thousands of miles away, and so this can be much more anonymous. In this way, we hope that we have created a safe space for people in need,” Dr. Ayoub said.

    Heal Beirut

    Addressing the people in Lebanon via their Heal Beirut website, the founders say: “Simply stated, while you’re on the front lines protecting us and fighting for our country, we know the burden it carries and this is the least we can offer.”

    Even though all the volunteers are based in the United States, Heal Beirut has also partnered with physicians in Lebanon whom they reach out to if they believe a patient would benefit from in-person care or requires urgent intervention. 

    However, health care providers who are volunteering or wish to volunteer must be licensed within the United States.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Charlie Bakhos (@charliebakhos)

    So far, Heal Beirut has helped around 250 people in Lebanon. Those wishing to receive help can simply request a booking and fill out the registration form.

    After signing up, a person will be matched to a health provider who will contact back for a zoom or phone session. There is no limit on the number of sessions one can request. 

    When asked about any future plans for Heal Beirut, Dr. Noel Ayoub optimistically shared with The961: “Given the immense need within Lebanon for increased access to care, we plan to continue this nonprofit work throughout Lebanon.”

    There also might be a chance that Heal Beirut will be extending its generous services beyond Lebanon, and to other countries in the region.

    “We are brainstorming ways to replicate the infrastructure and operations we have built to provide immediate care in other cities when they experience acute humanitarian crises,” Dr. Ayoub added.

    Beirut Explosion Coronavirus (COVID-19) Lebanon United States
    Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email

    For You

    uae travel ban lebanon 961

    UAE Is Officially Removing The Travel Ban On Lebanon

    Lebanese talking-stage

    15 Things Your Lebanese Talking-Stage Will Tell You, And What It Actually Means

    Joe Issa El-Khoury 961

    Who is Joe Issa El-Khoury, Lebanon’s New Minister of Industry

    Adel Nassar 961

    Who is Adel Nassar, Lebanon’s New Minister of Justice

    Nizar Hani 961

    Who is Nizar Hani, Lebanon’s New Minister of Agriculture

    Charles Hajj 961

    Who Is Charles Hajj, Lebanon’s New Minister of Telecommunications

    Ampere Cinema Reopens Its Doors In North Lebanon After 28 Years Of Absence

    20 Celebrities You Probably Didn’t Know Had Lebanese Roots

    April 22, 2019
    saint levant aub outdoors 2025 961

    Saint Levant Is Officially Headlining AUB Outdoors 2025!

    May 7, 2025

    Lebanon’s Shawarma Is Going Viral in The Philippines

    April 21, 2019
    dew apparel nada koussa miss lebanon 961

    Miss Lebanon Nada Koussa Just Launched A Sportswear Brand

    May 3, 2025
    Lebanese boutiques

    25 Boutiques In Lebanon To Find Your Dream Evening Dress This Wedding Season

    June 9, 2024

    20 Typical Lebanese Slang Expressions

    April 21, 2020
    arabic words

    30 Beautiful Arabic Words You Probably Want To Learn

    April 22, 2020
    nada koussa miss world miss lebanon 961

    Nada Koussa Just Left To Represent Lebanon At Miss World

    May 7, 2025
    Fitness Lebanon

    15 Top Gyms in Lebanon for Every Workout Style

    November 2, 2023
    961 Logo
    Facebook WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

    Popular Topics

    • Guides
    • Eat & Drink
    • Listicles
    • Lebanon News
    • Diaspora
    • Explained

    961

    • About
    • WhatsApp Channel
    • News WhatsApp Channel
    • Corrections Policy
    • Ownership & Funding

    Services

    • Advertise
    • Careers
    • App Waitlist
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    961™ | All Rights Reserved ©2025
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Okay