Saturday, 1/12: Charles B. Wang Community Health Center

On our last day of the trip, we had the pleasure of visiting the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center located in Chinatown. In addition to learning about the great work done at the Health Center as an FQHC, we also learned about the center's remarkable devotion to the vulnerable population in its community and its vital history of community activism.

The Charles B. Wang story is compelling, in part because it was initiated by members of the community who saw an unmet need and sought to address it. Thus, the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center was born. What initially began as a volunteer-run, free clinic has now blossomed into a Federally Qualified Health Center.

We were welcomed with great hospitality by the medical director, Dr. Perry Pong. He presented us with an unbelievable assortment of delicious food which was very much appreciated by some very hungry scholars.

         

As we ate and chatted with Dr. Pong we learned about some of the increasing challenges the health center is faced with. The challenge of trying to meet the needs of an ever-growing diverse population of immigrants coming from different parts of China is one that requires constant creativity and innovation by the health center. Nevertheless, the commitment to the cause remains very strong and is at the heart of the day to day operations of the center.

We were definitely sad to see the conclusion of what had been a very informative visit. Dr Pong's geniality and warm reception was truly appreciated. We wish the center well and hope to be back soon!