Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization established in 2003 with a mission to reduce health disparities for medically underserved low-income populations in the Midwest through developing and providing culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services, including community outreach education, screening, immunization, linkage to care, capacity building
, data collection, research, and policy advocacy. All services are available in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese. Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) currently offers the following services and programs:
Navigator Program
Our Navigators provide education and consultation about health insurance; assist with application for Medicaid or Marketplace Qualified Health Plans (QHPs); provide support in retaining health coverage; and provide assistance with coordination of clients’ healthcare needs and maintenance of effective communications with health insurance companies and health care providers. Community Mental Health Clinic
Our staff of licensed mental health professionals are experienced working with youth, adolescents, adults, and elders to address topics such as: family or marital conflicts, traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, acculturation difficulties, and stress management.. Services include: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, school consultations, community support, and mental health seminars. Substance Abuse Prevention Program
The substance abuse prevention program aims to prevent substance use among youth (age 12-19) in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago through building community partnerships, assessing community’s needs and resources, developing strategic plans, implementing and evaluating program/coalition activities for awareness, advocacy, education, and intervention. Community Health Center
MAHA’s Community Health Center provides health screening services, including comprehensive health education, screening, immunization, and patient care to the Asian American clients who are uninsured or under-insured. The health screenings include hepatitis B, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol level, kidney function, liver function, thyroid, H. Pylori, osteoporosis, and other blood tests. The screening is provided every last Saturday of each month at MAHA, followed by a free medical consultation session two weeks after the screening. Smart Match Employment Program
MAHA’s employment program provides comprehensive employment assistance to low-income Asians and other minorities with mental illness and developmental disabilities. Clients work closely with Employment Specialists to find and retain jobs that match their skills, goals, and interests. All services are free of charge, and are individually tailored and culturally sensitive. Services include job matching, pre-employment training, on-site job support, follow-up services, linkage to public aid programs, and referrals to other supportive services. Patient-Centered Research Programs
Partnering with local universities and hospitals, MAHA also conducts several culturally appropriate, patient centered research programs that focus on Asian American communities. Currently, MAHA is participating in two studies exploring seafood consumption and mercury levels, and Type II Diabetes.
