The Greenlining Institute held its 14th Annual Economic Summit, “Seizing the Opportunity” on April 19 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. The summit brought together Greenlining Institute’s coalition of 40 minority business associations and community-based non-profit organizations to find solutions for California’s economic development issues. In recognition of her notable service to the community, KHEIR’s CEO Erin Pak was presented with the Big Heart Award at the summit luncheon, attended by more than 1,200 guests of the nation’s largest financial institutions.

All of us at KHEIR would like to congratulate Pak on her outstanding achievements.

 

 

 

Hepatitis B Awareness Month

 

Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver and may cause cirrhosis and cancer. It is often called the “silent killer” because people infected with the virus typically show no symptoms. Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world and is especially prevalent in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Half of the mortalities caused by Hepatitis B are people of Asian descent. Korean Americans, second only to Vietnamese Americans, are the most likely Asian sub-population to become infected. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, use of unsterile needles and from an infected woman to her newborn during the delivery process, although this is unlikely.

May was Hepatitis B Awareness Month and to draw attention to the importance of being tested for Hepatitis B, KHEIR provided more than 200 free screenings. KHEIR offered a simple blood test that can tell people if they have been infected. If a patient is found to be infected with the virus, treatment can be prescribed in the form of an oral medication taken for one year or a series of shots over a four-month period. The treatment for Hepatitis B can be expensive, but there are many patient assistance programs for those who are eligible. KHEIR’s community clinic is able to enroll patients in these discount programs. To be immunized against Hepatitis B, a series of 3 shots are required. KHEIR provides immunizations for a $35 processing fee per shot.

 

 

Bringing Attention To America’s Health Care Crisis

 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 45 million Americans have no health insurance, including roughly 9 million children. Out of the approximately 310,000 children residing within the metro Los Angeles area, 40 percent are covered by state-sponsored programs but 26 percent are not covered by insurance at all. This means that more than 80,000 children are without access to health care. “Cover the Uninsured Week” was held from April 23-29 to bring together businesses, community leaders and organizations across the country to demand that our nation’s government find a solution for all Americans who are living without health insurance and access to vital health care services.

KHEIR believes that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity or income level should have access to quality health care services. The KHEIR – S. Mark Taper Foundation Community Clinic offers many free or low-cost primary and preventive care services for those who are eligible. The KHEIR human services department offers resources for basic needs assistance, including free and low-cost health coverage programs. To make an appointment for the clinic, please call (213) 637-1070, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To reach the human services department, please call (213) 637-1080.