6.14.24 CCACC Health Center Collaborates with SLASH to Offer Free Blood Testing Event

On May 18, 2024, CCACC Health Center and Sri Lanka American Society for Health (SLASH) collaborated to provide free preventive blood screenings for 79 uninsured and underinsured individuals from the Sri Lankan community in Silver Spring. This inaugural collaborative effort was well-received, and SLASH expressed gratitude to the CCACC Health Center for their partnership.

The event aimed to raise awareness of health issues within the community and provide assistance to residents in need of medical services. Participants continued their engagement by attending the "Health Day event" hosted by the CCACC Health Center on June 1st, where they received further medical consultations and additional disease prevention screening services.

Following the completion of blood test results for all participants, Dr. Mo-Ping Chow, the Founding Physician of the CCACC Health Center, diligently monitored the blood test indicators on a daily basis. In case of any emergent situations, Dr. Chow promptly communicated with the patients and the responsible individuals at SLASH, ensuring that the patients received prompt medical attention within the shortest possible timeframe.

During the event, five physicians and nurse practitioners from the CCACC Health Center, including Dr. Yao-Yao Zhu (Medical Director), Dr. Mo-Ping Chow (Founding Physician), Dr. Ling Chin, NP Jihyun Do, and NP Katherine Lee, collaborated with community physicians from Sri Lanka to provide professional medical consultation services to patients. Over 20 uninsured individuals registered for the Montgomery Cares Program onsite during this event to ensure continued medical care and follow-up services.

Mr. Suresh, the project lead for SLASH, expressed that this initiative was unprecedented within the Sri Lankan community. He emphasized that many participants had never seen a doctor for years and, when they fell ill, had to bear the high costs of medical treatment with limited effectiveness. This event not only raised awareness of health issues within the Sri Lankan community but also underscored the importance of community collaboration in improving public health.

(Article by CCACC Health Center)

A joyful collaboration and a happy snapshot. From left to right: Ms. Sanjana Quasem, Director of the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI); Ms. Margaret Persaud, Vaccine Director of the Montgomery County Department of Health; and Ms. Kate, Director of the CCACC Health Center.

The three doctors from CCACC Health Center provide medical consultations to the public. Back row, left to right: NP Katherine Lee, NP Jihyun Do, Dr. Mo-Ping Chow (Founding Physician).

Dr. Yao-Yao Zhu, the Medical Director of CCACC Health Center, explains medical services to the participants.

CCACC Health Center sets up booths outdoors to promote its services.