History

The Asian American Health Coalition is a 501(c) 3 volunteer organization dedicated to improving access to care for all Asian groups in Houston. Established in 1994, the Coalition has actively promoted health access, knowledge and disease prevention activities and programs in the Greater Houston area. In 2002, in recognition of the significantly unmet medical needs of the residents of Southwest Houston, we established the HOPE clinic to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate primary health care services to all, but especially to underserved Asians with limited English proficiency. It is our goal for the HOPE clinic to become a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

HURRICANE KATRINA/RITA RELIEF EFFORTS

One of the major milestones for the Asian American Health Coalition through the HOPE clinic was our rapid expansion as we participated in relief efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Starting on Friday, September 2nd, 2005, we partnered with Boat People SOS at their Hong Kong City Mall office (11205 Bellaire Blvd, Rm B22) to provide medical services to predominantly Asian Katrina evacuees, although services were available to all who came. Hundreds of Asian evacuees had congregated at the Mall seeking refuge, familiar Asian food, and social services from individuals who could speak Vietnamese and Chinese. Over that first weekend (Friday to Sunday), we served about 130 people. Most of the patients seen had diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, and needed follow ups or refills on their medications. Several pregnant ladies received prenatal check-ups as well. Emergency medical technicians had to be called when one individual exhibited extremely high blood pressure, and again when a young child was suspected of sepsis.

We appreciate the volunteer efforts of many medical professionals and volunteers during that crisis period. As we continued to provide medical services at the Boat People SOS office 6 days a week, medical staff from the Kaiser Permanente and Scripps Health Organizations provided through the Medical Reserve Corps arrived and took over medical operations, while HOPE clinic continued to operate at its original site at the Chinese Community Center (CCC), 9800 Town Park until the end of October. The Boat People SOS staff and volunteers provided the interpreters while the HOPE clinic staff assisted with case management and medical supplies. Approximately 200 people were seen each day. This was a very successful collaboration and partnership. Currently, the HOPE clinic is located at 7001 Corporate, Suite 120 (entrance at back of building), Houston, TX 77036. It is open five days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 pm to 8 pm.