2015 MAHA Achievements
MAHA Receives a Five-Year Grant from SAMHSA:
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) is awarded a five -year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop a coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention Program. The purpose of this program is to build a McKinley Park Underage Drinking and Other Substance Prevention Coalition (McK-UDOS) to reduce underage drinking and marihuana use among the Hispanic and Asian youth age 12 to 19 in the McKinley Park community in Cook County.
MAHA and UIC Collaborate on a Five-Year NIH Grant:
This five-year grant from NIH will support UIC-School of Public Health and MAHA to develop a research project on healthy seafood choice in the Asian communities in Chicago. This program will measure levels of mercury and estimate levels of PCBs– another pollutant known to concentrate in fish — in Asians living in Chicago. The findings will help them develop targeted text message-based interventions to subgroups of Asians that have the highest risk of having mercury- or PCB-related health problems. The text messages will include information on safe fish consumption as well as general health messages. – See more at: http://news.uic.edu/reducing-mercury-and-pcb-exposure-for-chicagos-asians#sthash.
Annual Benefit for the Midwest Asian Health Association
“Every Day Begins with a Hope”
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) is pleased to announce the annual benefit dinner at Cai Restaurants (2100 S. Archer Ave, 2/F, Chicago, IL 60616) on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 6:00-8:30pm. The theme for this year’s fundraiser is “Every Day Begins with a Hope”. MAHA was recently approved by the State to become a community mental health provider to provide mental health assessment, diagnose, treatment, and follow up care to the mental health patients. This is the only mental health clinic serving the Asian populations in the south side of Chicago. This community mental health clinic will bring HOPE to the individuals who struggle every day fighting against mental illnesses. MAHA’s culturally sensitive and language appropriate services will help these patients with the necessary clinical care so they can be cured and recovered to live a normal life like other people. We will honor outstanding community leaders and advocates who have supported MAHA’s initiative at the event. Proceeds from the fundraising event will allow us to start and sustain the services.
MAHA Established a Community Mental Health Center
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Community Mental Health Center. MAHA was recently certified by the Illinois Department of Human Services as a Medicaid Mental Health Services Provider. MAHA will provide mental health assessment, diagnose, treatment, therapy, counseling, rehabilitation, and case management to mental health patients in a culturally sensitive and language appropriate manner. This is the only community mental health clinic serving the Asian populations in the south side of Chicago. For more information, please contact Dr. Hong Liu, Executive Director, 312-225-8659 or [email protected]
Asian Heritage Month/National Hepatitis Awareness Day, 2015
May is Asian Heritage Month and Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19 is National Hepatitis Awareness Day.
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) – Hepatitis Coalition of Illinois, in partnership with the Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago, and 30 other organizations, announces the celebration of May Asian Heritage Month and National Hepatitis Awareness Day on May 16 (Saturday), 2015.
Location: Chinatown Square
2133 S. China PL, Chicago, IL 60616
Date: May 16, 2015 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Contact: Sean Li, Project Coordinator, MAHA
[email protected]
Tel:(312)225-8659
Annual Benefit for the Midwest Asian Health Association
“Help People with Disabilities”
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) will host the annual benefit at Cai Restaurant (2100 S. Archer Ave, 2/F, Chicago, IL 60616) on Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Our theme – “ Help People with Disabilities” aims at raising public awareness about the challenges faced by Asian Americans with disabilities and encourage the community to help them access to resources and job opportunities.
MAHA Is Awarded to Continue the Affortable Care Act Marketplace Enrollment Services
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) is pleased to receive the awards from both the Federal government and State government to continue the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – Marketplace Enrollment services for the second year. MAHA has expanded the ACA Navigator team and will extend its office hours during the enrollment period from Nov. 15, 2014 to Feb. 15, 2015. Services are available during the day time and also evenings and Saturdays. All navigators are bilingual and dedicated to serving the community in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. All services are free. Please call 312-225-8659 (English) or 312-225-6806 (Chinese) to schedule an appointment.
Initiative to Help Asians with Disabilities
Midwest Asian Health Association is delighted to announce the launch of the “Initiative to Help Asians with Disabilities”, funded by the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Human Services. The new program provides comprehensive employment services to low-income Asians with mental illness and Developmental Disabilities (including Intellectual Disabilities). Bilingual English-Chinese speaking Employment Specialists provide individually-tailored, culturally sensitive services to the target population. For more information, please contact Yovia Xu, MSW, Employment Specialist at 312-225-8708, or email: [email protected]
Kick Off Event: Initiative to Help Asians with Disabilities
Asians with mental illness and developmental disabilities face various barriers including cultural stigmatization and language difficulty and challenges to get a job and live a normal life. Funded by Illinois Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Midwest Asian Health Association in partnership with the Chinese American Service League anounces the kickoff event for the Initiative to Help Asians with Disabilities.
Location: Chinese American Service League
Grand Hall, 2141 S Tan Ct, Chicago, IL 60616
Date: August 25, 2014 (Monday)
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Contact: Yue Xu, MSW, MAHA Employment Specialist
[email protected]
Tel: 312-225-8708
May 4 Asian Heritage Month/ National Hepatitis Awareness Day, 2014
May is Asian Heritage Month and Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19 is National Hepatitis Awareness Day. The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) – Hepatitis Coalition of Illinois, in partnership with the Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago, Chinese American Service league, Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, and 30 other organizations, announces the celebration of May Asian Heritage Month and National Hepatitis Awareness Day on May 4 (Sunday), 2014.
Location: Chinatown Square
2133 S. China PL, Chicago, IL 60616
Date: May 4, 2014 (Sunday)
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Contact: Jessica Szafron, Program Manager
312-225-8659
Annual Benefit for the Midwest Asian Health Association “Love Your Liver, B a Hero”
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) is pleased to announce the annual benefit and awards dinner at Cai Restaurant (2100 S. Archer Ave, 2/F, Chicago, IL 60616) on Sunday, November 10, 2013 from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Our theme – “Love you Liver and B a Hero” aims at raising public awareness about the hepatitis B issues in the Asian community and encourage people to support MAHA’s efforts to eliminate the disease.
Affordable Care Act Marketplace Enrollment Program
Midwest Asian Health Association is pleased to join the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Enrollment Program as an enrollment site in Chicago. MAHA’s In-Person Counselor (IPC) will provide free in-person assistance to all individuals and small business owners who are seeking assistance to complete an application and enroll in a Qualified Health Plan or other health programs for which they are eligible, including Medicaid and All Kids Care. IPC service is free and will be delivered in a culturally sensitive and language appropriate manner. Please call Yang Sun at 312-225-8659 (English) or 312-225-6806 (Chinese) to schedule an appointment.
Hepatitis Immunization Initiative in the Asian Community in Chicago
The Midwest Asian Health Association-Hepatitis Coalition of Midwest (MAHA-HCM) is pleased to announce an initiative to establish a community-based regular monthly hepatitis B immunization clinic, the first of this kind in Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Dept. of Public Health (CDPH), Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH), Northwestern Medicine, and Northwestern University-Hepatitis B Alliance, and Midwestern University College of Pharmacy “The purpose of this immunization clinic is to improve hepatitis B immunization rate, thus to reduce infection for hepatitis B among the high risk Asian Americans” according to Dr. Hong Liu, Executive Director of MAHA.
“The bad news is that Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can cause life-threatening illnesses; the good news is that it is preventable through vaccination,” said CDPH Commissioner Bechara Choucair, M.D. “We are glad to join our partners in providing outreach, education and vaccinations for Chicago’s Asian American community. Working together we can make Chicago the healthiest city in the nation.”
“Although Asian and Pacific Islanders are only five percent of the U.S. population, they account for more than half of all Americans living with chronic Hepatitis B,” said Illinois Department of
Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “Awareness of the problem, access to services and early intervention are critical in the effort to reduce the numbers of Asians living with Hepatitis
B—the immunization clinic is a strong first step toward making that happen.”
Hepatitis Coalition of Midwest (HCM)
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Hepatitis Coalition of Midwest (HCM). The mission of HCM is to reduce hepatitis B related diseases in AAPIs through regional coordinated efforts to promote hepatitis B awareness, advocacy, training, resource sharing, and support among the coalition members in the Midwest. Dr. Hong Liu, Executive Director of MAHA, Regional Director of the National Task Force on Hepatitis B, and Karen Jiobu Executive Board member of the National Task Force on Hepatitis B, and Andy Chau, Regional Director of Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) are the Co-Chairs of HCM. If your organization is interested in joining the coalition, please contact:
Dr. Hong Liu at 312-225-8659 or email: [email protected]
May 17 National Hepatitis Awareness Day, 2013
May is Asian Heritage Month and Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19 is National Hepatitis Awareness Day. The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) – Hepatitis Coalition of Midwest, in partnership with the regional Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA); the Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago, Chinese American Service league, Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, University of Illinois – Hospital & Health Sciences System, Northwestern University – Hepatitis B Alliance of Chicago, Chicago Mayor’s Office of Special Events, and 30 other organizations, announces the celebration of May Asian Heritage Month and National Hepatitis Awareness Day on May 16, 2013.
Location: Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Date: May 17, 2013 (Friday)
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Contact: Dr. Hong Liu: 312-225-8659
February 16, 2013 Chinese New Year Celebration:
The Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago, the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, and the Chong Qing Art Delegation announce the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Location: 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Date: February 16, 2013 (Saturday)
Time: 6:00pm-12:00am
Contact: Dr. Hong Liu: 312-225-8659
MAHA Annual Benefit Reception “Know Your Numbers”
November 8, 2012
The Midwest Asian Health Association’s Annual Benefit is scheduled on Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 6:30-9:00pm at Sushi Taiyo (58 E. Ontario St. Chicago, IL 60611). Our theme – “Know Your Numbers” aims at urging people to take action to regularly assess their risk factors that will help prevent the onset of chronic health conditions.
This year’s honorees are:
Danny K. Davis, US Congressman
Sean Koppe, M.D. Hepatologist, Section of Hepatology-Northwestern University
Hepatitis B Alliance of Chicago, Northwestern University
Asian Healthcare Association, Midwestern University – College of Pharmacy
Contact Dr. Hong Liu: 312-225-8659 or [email protected]
MAHA Partners with Dr. Daolong Zhang to Launch a Web-based Psychotherapy Initiative:
Dr. Daolong Zhang, M.D. psychologist, and MAHA together announced the launch of the web-based psychotherapy initiative. Http://www.briefpsychotherapies.com, the first of its kind, is designed to meet the mental health needs of the Chinese in China and Chinese Americans in the U.S.
This site offers education and counseling for mental illness and psychological issues. Free and anonymous individual telephone counseling is also provided by Dr. Zhang upon request.
May 17 National Hepatitis Awareness Day, 2012
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, Chinese Fine Arts Society, University of Illinois – Hospital & Health Sciences System, Northwestern University – Hepatitis B Alliance of Chicago, Chicago Mayor’s Office of Special Events, and 20 other organizations, announces the celebration of May Asian Heritage Month and National Hepatitis Awareness Day on May 17, 2012. The event is also sponsored by Bristol – Myers Squibb and Genentech – A Member of the Roche Group.
Location: Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Date: May 17, 2012 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Contact Dr. Hong Liu: 312-225-8659
Monthly Hepatitis B Clinic
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), in partnership with the Northwestern University – Hepatitis B Alliance of Chicago, is pleased to announce the launch of the monthly Hepatitis B Clinic in Chicago. The clinic will provide Hepatitis B education, screening, immunization, and consuling. Hepatitis B vaccine will be provided by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Location: Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA)
230 W. Cermak Rd. 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60616
Date: Last Saturday of Each Month
Time: 8:00am – 11:00am
Contact Dr. Hong Liu: 312-225-8659 or [email protected]
MAHA Forms a Partnership with the Rush University Medical Center to Conduct the PINE Study
The PINE Study stands for Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago. The purpose of the PINE study is to understand the psychological and social issues that affect the general well-being of the Chicago Chinese elderly population. This study is led by the Rush Institute of Healthy Aging under the direction of Dr. Xinqi Dong. The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) and the Chinese American Service League (CASL) are partnering with Rush University to invite older Chinese adults (aged 60 or older) and their family members living in Chicago and suburbs to participate in the study.
For more information, please call Iggy Chang at 312-942-3330 or [email protected].
MAHA Annual Benefit Reception “Prevention through Empowerment”
November 4, 2011
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) will hold its Annual Benefit Reception at Sushi Taiyo (58 E. Ontario St. Chicago, IL 60611) on Friday, November 4 (Friday), 2011, from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Our theme – “Prevention through Empowerment” aims to raise public awareness about the importance of community empowerment for the early detection of preventable diseases in the Asian American community.
The event will honor
Mark Kirk, U.S. Senator
Dr. Bechara Choucair, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Dr. Daolong Zhang, Psychologist-MAHA Medical Advisor
MAHA and Sinai Health System Formed a Partnership Targeting Uninsured Children and Youth in the Hispanic and Asian Communities
CHICAGO – Two Illinois projects are receiving grants to identify and enroll children eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The grants were announced Thursday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The two-year grants are authorized under the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009.
Sinai Health System in Chicago is receiving just over $340,000. Sinai will work with the Mexican Consulate in Chicago and the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) to target Hispanic American and Asian American communities. The project will use a web-based system to track the success of the outreach efforts.
Dr. Hong Liu was Invited to the White House for the World Hepatitis Day Briefing and President Obama’s Proclamation
July 28, 2011, marks the first official World Hepatitis Day established by the World Health Organization (WHO). CDC joins with WHO in calling for a renewed commitment against a largely silent but persistent epidemic. In the United States, World Hepatitis Day was observed on July 28 at the White House for the first time. Dr. Hong Liu was among the invitees.
Dr. Hong Liu was Appointed by the Governor to the State Health Improvement Plan Council
Congratulations to Dr. Hong Liu on her appointment to the State Health Improvement Plan Council by Governor Pat Quinn. In July 2010, the Governor signed into law legislation creating a Governor-appointed council to implement the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP).
“This council brings together a diverse group of health care professionals that are leaders in their respective fields,” said Governor Quinn. “We want a comprehensive approach to make sure the people of Illinois are healthy, and that means bringing everyone to the table. I look forward to the council’s work, and the results they will help us achieve in public health.”
The SHIP is a framework to address public health issues through an interdisciplinary approach that utilizes the strengths of the entire public health system. Under law, the state of Illinois must complete a SHIP every four years with the goal of creating a system that ensures optimal physical, mental and social well-being for all people in Illinois through a high-functioning public health system. The SHIP council will work collaboratively with the Governor’s Health Care Reform Implementation Council to promote statewide improvements in public health.
May 19 National Hepatitis Awareness Day, 2011
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago Commission on Human Relation – Advisory Council on Asian Affairs, Chicago Department of Public Health, Asian American Coalition of Chicago, UIC Department of Medicine, Northwestern University – Hepatitis B Alliance, Thai American Association of Illinois, National Task Force on Hepatitis B, American Liver Foundation, Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago, National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, Chinese American Service League, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Organization of Chinese Americans, announces the celebration of May 19 Hepatitis Awareness Day as part of the Asian American Festival in downtown Chicago.
Location: Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Contact Dr. Hong Liu: 312-225-8659
Dr. Hong Liu: Asian American Hall of Fame Awardee in Public Health, 2011
Dr. Hong Liu was honored on May 14, 2011 at the Asian American Hall of Frame Award ceremony. She is very well established in the Asian American community and has made forefront innovations in Public Health for the Asian American population. The health programs she developed and directed have reached and benefited thousands of immigrants and refugees.
In 2010, Dr. Liu made a historical establishment of Hepatitis Awareness Day in Illinois with collaborative signatures from over 90 local and national Asian organizations and approval from Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Richard Daley. Now, the National Hepatitis Awareness Day is celebrated on May 19 during the Asian Heritage Month in Illinois.
Dr. Hong Liu has worked closely with the state and city public health departments to bring opportunities and services to the Asian American community. Most importantly, Dr. Liu is dedicated to educating the Asian American community in culturally and linguistically sensitive ways to be aware of the health issues and the prevention of diseases. Dr. Liu is among the first Asian Americans to start the Chinese American Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI). She has also brought free hepatitis B screening, immunization, and education services to the Asian American community to serve those who may not have insurance or afford healthcare.
Dr. Hong Liu was invited by Mayor Daley to the dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao
Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Chicago on Thursday, January 20, 2011, for a two-day visit. Mayor Daley characterized the visit as a “big, big, big, big, big deal,” at a news conference last week. President Hu met with Mayor Daley and business leaders Thursday evening and was the guest of honor at a formal dinner at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, at 720 S. Michigan Ave on January 20, 2011. Dr. Hong Liu was among the 12 Chinese community leaders invited to the dinner. “It is a big honor to be invited to the welcome dinner hosted by Mary Daley and to have the opportunity to meet President Hu in person”, said Dr. Hong Liu. Dr. Liu was also invited by the Chinese Consulate office to have a group photo with President Hu on January 21, at the Peninsular Hotel, Chicago. She was positioned right behind President Hu in the group photo.
MAHA Fundraiser “Break the Silence, Erase the Distance” to Raise Mental Health Awareness in Asians
December 2, 2010
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) will hold an annual benefit reception at Sushi Taiyo (58 E. Ontario St. Chicago, IL 60611) on Thursday, December 2, 2010, from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Our theme – “Break the Silence, Erase the Distance” aims to raise public awareness about mental health issues in the Asian American community. The event will honor Robyn Gabel, State Representative of 18th District, Dr. Damon Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and Dr. Xiaoying Hensel for their outstanding contributions to public health.
Chinese American Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI)
November 6, 2010
The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), in collaboration with over 70 Chinese American associations in Illinois, announces today the launch of the Chinese American Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI) to promote public awareness about the mental health problems in the Chinese American community.
According to the press release issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Advertising Council on July 8th, 2010 (see attached), 1 in 6 Chinese American young adults experienced serious psychological distress in the past year. Despite the high prevalence among this group, only one in nine (11.2 percent) Asian American young adults with serious psychological distress received care within the past 12 months. Overall the rates at which racial and ethnic minority young adults seek treatment are much lower than their Caucasian counterparts.
“This campaign will help break the silence and reduce the social stigma about mental illness in the Chinese American community and promote open dialogue in a culturally sensitive way. MAHA is proud to take the lead on this initiative”, said Dr. Hong Liu, Executive Director of MAHA.
Proclamation by Illinois Governor and the Mayor of Chicago Recognizing May 19, 2010 as World Hepatitis Day in Illinois and Chicago
As a result of the hepatitis campaign led by Dr. Hong Liu, Executive Director of Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) and supported by 97 local and national organizations, the Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn and the Mayor of City of Chicago, Richard Dailey, proclaimed, for the first time, May 19, 2010 as World Hepatitis Day in Illinois and Chicago. Both offices urge all Illinois/Chicago residents to support efforts to eliminate hepatitis B and C.
Dr. Hong Liu Received a Community Leadership Award:
Dr. Hong Liu was honored as one of the top ten Community leaders in the Greater Chicago Chinese American Community by the 2010 Greater Chicago Chinese Year Book.
