Northwestern University’s Chinatown Health Initiative (CTHI) is a dedicated organization focused on promoting health literacy and accessibility within the Chicago Chinatown community. Established to address the unique health-related challenges faced by residents, CTHI works to dismantle the barriers that often prevent marginalized populations from receiving necessary medical care.
A key aspect of CTHI’s mission is to provide language and cultural support, which is especially crucial for the older adults in the community who may have limited English proficiency. Jessica Sun, a senior at the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) and the current president of CTHI, highlights the relevance of this initiative to her own life, as her grandmother lived in Chinatown for over three decades. Many residents face difficulties in navigating the healthcare system due to language barriers, financial concerns, and cultural differences.
Structure of the Initiative
CTHI is organized into four main committees: clinical, health education, finance, and events. The finance and events committees focus on internal club activities, including fundraising and community engagement activities. In contrast, the clinical and health education committees are more outward-facing, working closely with local organizations to deliver essential health services and resources.
One of the standout efforts of the clinical committee is its collaboration with the Midwest Asian Health Association to offer monthly health screenings in Chinatown. Medical students from institutions like Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine volunteer their time to provide these services, where translation support is offered for non-English-speaking patients. Tok Lin Yeo, a junior and co-chair of the clinical committee, expresses pride in utilizing his Mandarin skills to help fellow community members access healthcare.
Addressing Healthcare Gaps
Despite their impactful work, members of the clinical committee, including co-chair Allen Wang, have encountered challenges in providing continuity of care. “We’re there to operate only as interpreters,” Wang explains, noting that often, the assistance provided during screenings does not extend beyond that initial visit. This limitation highlights a significant gap in the healthcare system that CTHI is working to address, demonstrating the need for comprehensive support for patients even after screenings.
On the health education side, CTHI is actively creating and distributing educational materials tailored to the elderly population. These informational cards cover various health topics and are distributed in collaboration with local organizations, such as the Chicago Public Library’s Chinatown branch and the Chinese American Service League. In September, the initiative successfully handed out these health cards during the St. James Health Fair, further reinforcing its commitment to community health education.
Rebuilding and Expanding Partnerships
As the world begins to move forward from the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, CTHI is keen on rekindling connections with community organizations and medical students that may have been lost during this time. Collaborations with organizations like Tzu Chi Midwest—part of a national network focused on humanitarian efforts—are being revitalized to resume clinical work, bringing much-needed healthcare services back to the community.
In addition, Haile He, Events Chair and Interim President, aims to make CTHI’s on-campus speaker events more aligned with the interests and needs of the broader Northwestern University community. "We’re hoping to increase the things that we can do," He states, indicating a forward-thinking approach to growth and collaboration.
Conclusion
The Chinatown Health Initiative stands as a vital resource and advocate for the immigrant and elderly populations in Chinatown, striving to bridge gaps in healthcare access and literacy. With committed student leaders at the helm, CTHI’s efforts to provide translation services, create health education materials, and foster community partnerships are not only important for individual health outcomes but for strengthening the community as a whole.
As CTHI continues to expand its initiatives and collaborations, it embodies the spirit of community engagement and social responsibility, ensuring that health literacy and access to care are achievable for all residents of Chinatown. By leveraging the skills and dedication of Northwestern students, the initiative is paving the way for a healthier, more informed community.
