On November 2 2024, the Alliance of North American Chinese Physicians (ANACP) , OllieTree Foundation and RTP Chinese American Physician Association hosted a free clinic, opening its doors to individuals without insurance or for whom English is not a first language. The event provided not only essential medical services but also an unexpected and much-needed focus on mental health, making it a truly holistic health initiative.

Shining a Light on Youth Mental Health

During the event, UCA WAVES Executive Director Lily Chen and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate Grace He delivered a powerful message on the importance of youth mental health. They passionately advocated for the destigmatization of mental health struggles, encouraging open conversations about psychological well-being.

In their engaging talk, they introduced a variety of free resources including crisis hotlines, warm line, mental health first aid training, and community mental health resources.

Parents and physicians in the audience nodded in agreement, some remarking, “”We didn’t know about such valuable resources before. This is exactly what the AAPI community needs but has been missing.”

A Workshop That Hit Home

Another highlight of the event was a mental health workshop led by Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate Grace He. Addressing the audience’s most pressing concerns, the counselor provided clear, practical strategies on how to support oneself, family members, and friends in navigating life’s emotional challenges.

From managing anxiety and stress to self-care, to building confidence in children, to supporting children with healthy screen usage, the session was packed with actionable advice.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. At the end of the workshop, a 70-year-old grandmother clapped enthusiastically as she said, “It was a great lecture. I hope more people will have the opportunity to hear such.” Several family physicians also chimed in, commenting the workshop’s practicality and its relevance to their patients and the AAPI community.

A Community United in Care

This event was more than just a free clinic; it was a celebration of holistic care, addressing both physical and mental health. The emphasis on mental health underscored a vital truth: emotional well-being is foundational to a thriving life.

Mental health care isn’t a solo journey. It’s a shared responsibility, a community effort to lift one another up.

The next free clinic is already in the works for next year, promising another opportunity for care, connection, and hope.

温情义诊，心理守护——一场暖心的健康盛会

111/02/2024周六，一场充满温情与关爱的义诊活动在华人社区如约而至，由北美华人医师联盟联合橄榄树基金会、南北卡商会、北卡三角华裔临床医师协会共同举办。这次活动特别为没有保险或英文非母语的社区成员提供帮助，吸引了众多家庭前来咨询与体检。然而，这不仅仅是一场身体健康的检查，更是一次心理健康的守护。

心理健康：同样重要的大事

在义诊的期间，UCA WAVES的执行长Lily Chen和北卡心理咨询师Grace He带来了一场意义非凡的心理健康宣传。他们强调了青少年心理健康的重要性，呼吁大家共同努力去破除心理健康的偏见，并大声疾呼“心病也需良药”。她们现场介绍了许多公益心理资源，包括危机热线、暖线，心理急救员培训，以及相关的社区资源。

现场的家长们和医生们频频点头，感慨道：“这么好的资源，我们以前都不知道呢。”

心理保健讲座：实用的心理守护指南

深受欢迎的环节之一是心理咨询师Grace He的心理保健讲座。针对现场观众关心的热点问题，她从容解答，细致地提供了如何支持自己、支持家人、支持朋友的实用方法。

无论是如何面对焦虑与压力、如何自我关爱、如何帮助孩子建立健康的电子产品使用习惯，还是如何帮助孩子培养自驱力，她都用通俗易懂的语言，为大家提供很多实用的方法。

讲座时间到了，听众们还是不肯离去，继续提问交流。一位70多岁的奶奶更是感动得鼓起掌来，激动地说:“讲得太好了。希望更多人有机会听到这样的讲座。”多位家庭医生也纷纷表示，这样的心理健康知识普及实在太及时、太必要了！

温暖背后，是守护

这场义诊不仅是对身体健康的关注，更是一次身心全面的守护。心理健康，作为关乎家庭幸福和个人成长的重要一环，值得我们每个人投入更多的关注与行动。

心理健康的守护，不是一个人的孤单旅程，而是社区间相互支持的暖心接力。让我们共同努力，为自己、为家人、为朋友，打造一个身心健康的美好生活。

义诊活动明年还会继续举办，已经在筹备中，期待您的参与，共同续写这份爱与守护的故事！