Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe Visits CCACC

Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe recently visited the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC), accompanied by her Legislative Aide Holly Mancuso and Annice Cody, President and CEO of the Primary Care Coalition (PCC). During the visit and exchange, which lasted more than an hour, they expressed high appreciation for CCACC’s long-standing contributions to the community and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs CCACC faces in its ongoing efforts to serve local residents.

Vice President Balcombe’s visit was arranged through the coordination of Ms. Cody, President and CEO of PCC, and facilitated by CCACC Health Center, with overall planning and coordination by CCACC’s Administration Office.

A Closer Look at CCACC Health Center

At 12:30 p.m. on July 23, 2026, the delegation first arrived at CCACC Health Center, where they received a warm welcome. Those greeting the guests included Dr. Mo-Ping Chow, one of the founders of Pan-Asian Volunteer Health Clinic, CCACC Board Director and former Medical Director; Dr. Yue-Yue Zhu, former CCACC Board Director and current physician at CCACC Health Center; and Ms. Kate Lu, Director of CCACC Health Center.

As many know, CCACC Health Center was developed from the Pan-Asian Volunteer Health Clinic. Today, it provides comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, rehabilitation services, and community health education. The Health Center also actively supports key programs such as Montgomery Cares and Mental Health 360.

The Montgomery Cares program provides healthcare services to low-income, uninsured adults living in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Mental Health 360 program, established by CCACC Health Center in 2015, was the first professional mental health service program in Montgomery County specifically focused on the Asian American community, representing a significant milestone in addressing culturally appropriate mental health needs.

Director Lu introduced several of the Health Center’s major community health initiatives in recent years, including the Promise Program. The program aims to create a positive and inclusive environment for children with special needs, helping them develop essential life skills. To support this initiative, CCACC Health Center has organized the Charity Pickleball Invitational Tournament annually since 2023, increasing community engagement while expanding opportunities for collaboration and resource development.

The delegation also learned about the Health Center’s hepatitis B prevention program, STOP B. As one of its important service initiatives, STOP B provides free hepatitis B screenings, a three-dose vaccination series, and affordable treatment options. Through education and outreach efforts, the program raises public awareness of hepatitis B and helps patients receive comprehensive and continuous medical care.

Director Lu emphasized that government support is essential for sustaining long-term community health services. CCACC Health Center will continue advocating for greater awareness of unmet healthcare needs within the community and working to expand access to care.

Recognizing CCACC’s Continued Commitment to Community Development

Following the Health Center visit, the delegation walked to the CCACC headquarters, where they were welcomed by CCACC Executive Director Rita Lewi, CCACC Co-Founder and Director of the Adult Day Healthcare Center (ADHC) Ned Li, and Deputy Executive Director Li-Fang Liu.

After Director Li provided an overview of the operations of the Adult Day Healthcare Center, the guests visited the CCACC Art Gallery on the second floor to view the ongoing 10th Anniversary Exhibition, “From Trees to Forest.” The exhibition features work by more than 40 artists who have held exhibitions at the gallery over the past decade, celebrating the gallery’s ten years of promoting cultural exchange and artistic development within the community.

Vice President Balcombe had previously attended the opening reception for the gallery’s 10th anniversary celebration and was deeply impressed by CCACC Art Gallery’s continued efforts to promote cultural exchange. She expressed her appreciation for the gallery’s meaningful contributions to the community.

It was also noteworthy that CCACC Executive Director Rita Lewi is an artist herself. During the visit, she introduced her artwork “The Whisper of Trees Through a Thousand Years”, sharing the cultural meaning behind the piece, as well as the unique symbolism of the materials used in its creation. Guests paused to admire the artwork, listened attentively to her explanation, and took photos together in front of the piece.

Looking Forward to Deeper Collaboration for the Benefit of the Community

A discussion session followed the tour, during which Executive Director Rita Lewi introduced the development and operations of CCACC’s various divisions and shared the organization’s current challenges and practical needs.

Vice President Balcombe stated that CCACC’s contributions to the community over the years are widely recognized and that the organization plays an indispensable role in supporting continued community development. She expressed her hope that CCACC will continue its mission of community service, expand its programs, and benefit even more residents.

Although the visit was brief, the tour and in-depth discussions provided Vice President Balcombe with a comprehensive understanding of CCACC’s operations and diverse community services. CCACC hopes that, while receiving recognition from the broader community, it can also gain additional support and resources to further expand its services and continue making a positive impact on the community.

Article by CCACC Administrative office

From left: Ms. Holly Mancuso, Legislative Aide to Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe; Mr. Ned Li, CCACC Co-Founder and ADHC Director; Ms. Rita Lewi, CCACC Executive Director; Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe; Ms. Kate Lu, Director of CCACC Health Center; Ms. Annice Cody, President and CEO of Primary Care Coalition; and Ms. Li-Fang Liu, CCACC Deputy Executive Director

Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and the Primary Care Coalition delegation visit CCACC Health Center

Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and her delegation tour the CCACC Art Gallery

Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe poses for a photo with CCACC Executive Director and CCACC Art Gallery Director Rita Lewi