Mission: 

The Hmong Health Care Professionals’ Coalition (HHCPC) is a grassroots collaborative partnership that is invested in improving the health and well-being of the Hmong community by providing health education, advocacy, and supporting health research.

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Vision:

• HHCPC members help create and develop best practices to improve and build a healthier Hmong community.

• HHCPC is a partner in data collection and health research.

• HHCPC is a leader in health organizations investing in the Hmong Community.

• HHCPC is a central resource for the Hmong community and the mainstream community in health education and awareness.

 

History:

After the fall of the Vietnam War in 1975 ending the secret war in Laos, thousands of Hmong soldiers and their families escaped from Laos and lived in refugee camps in Thailand.  Hmong refugees started to resettle in the United States in 1975.  Due to more Hmong refugees from the camps, second migration, and new births, Minnesota became one of the largest establishments of Hmong residents in the U.S. The lack of trust and limited understanding of the Western health care system has limited access to health care for many Hmong families. Even after 40 years, barriers continue to exist and prevent many from seeking medical care in this country. Although much progress has been made, lack of trust, knowledge of Western health care practices, and complex cultural barriers continue to make it difficult in treating Hmong Americans.

 

In 1995, Mao Heu-Thao, Hmong Health Coordinator for Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health, founded the Hmong Health Care Professionals Coalition (HHCPC) after experiencing challenges and barriers working within the Hmong community and with Western health care providers. At that time, members of HHCPC consisted of only a few known Hmong doctors, health educators, nurses, health interpreters, and social service workers who came together to network, address health issues and to provide health education of western practices for the Hmong community. 

 

Through the years, the HHCPC has conducted projects including community surveys, provided health screenings, coordinated health conferences with community members, collaborated in providing free flu shots, endorsed a wide range of health policies with community partners and much more. The HHCPC acknowledges that there are many ongoing social and cultural challenges and barriers facing our new Americans. That is why HHCPC believes in collaborative partnerships to invest in improving the health and well-being of the Hmong community through education, advocacy, and supporting appropriate health research with the changing times. 

 

HHCPC members are advantageous in health settings because they serve as a trusted bridge between Hmong patients and Western health care providers. As the Hmong community learned and became more comfortable working with Western health care providers, the Coalition revised its goals to reflect an evolving Hmong community. Today, the Coalition has increased its membership to include anyone who has a passion and interest in health equity and improving the well being of the Hmong, refugee and immigrant communities in Minnesota, network of resources and knowledge, creating opportunities for not only the Hmong but also for Western health care professionals.

 

Goals:

1. Promote cultural awareness in health care practices by sharing information on health beliefs and practices of the Hmong to Western health care providers

2. Advocate for access to quality health care services

3. Educate the Hmong community about Western health care practices

4. Build a network of support and mentorship within and for Hmong health professionals

5. Be a health resource to both the Hmong and Western communities

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COVID-19 Outbreak Response Team (CORT)

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Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, HHCPC recognizes that there are gap areas where health education is needed to provide culturally relevant information to our focus community: the Hmong, refugee and immigrant communities. This team of HHCPC members consists of community leaders, HHCPC members, and government staff. 

 

Our purpose is to lead culturally responsive public health messages and provide centralized sources of credible and comprehensive health information on COVID-19 via multi-platform approaches to our focus community. In serving this purpose, the Hmong community will be able to access useful and accurate information about COVID-19 to comply with strategies and goals, adhere to medical advice, and de-escalate psychosocial and cultural tensions.

 

Members of CORT:

Dr. Chameng Vang, D.O. (CORT Chair)

Dai Vu

Dr. Jim Lee, D.C.

Dr. Ying Xiong, D.P.T

Duzong Yang

Mary Xiong

Mao Hue-Thao

Michael Xiong

Pun Chang

Va Yang

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Current Executive Team:

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Mary Xiong, Chair

Ying Xiong, DPT, Vice-Chair

Yangmee Lor, Secretary

Mao Hue-Thao and Maytinee Xiong, Treasurers

 

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Other Annual Projects: 

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Health Fair [in conjunction with the Annual Hmong Freedom Festival]

Hmong Health Conference

Masquerade Gala

Free Flu Clinics

Media shows

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Thank you to our sponsors, members, partners, friends, family, and community members for the continued support!

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Fiscal Agent: Minnesota Community Care

 

2019 Major Sponsors: BlueCross BlueShield, Tou Thai Lee (StateFarm), UCARE, Amherst Wilder Foundation, and Brightly Pharmacy Care

 

2020 Grantor: MN Department of Health

 

Partners/Members:  

Minnesota Community Care, Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health, Fairview Health Services MINI Clinics, HmongPT.org/ISD 279, Planned Parenthood North Central States, MDH - Refugee & Int’ Health, TB, and Sage, Scott County Human Services, Arc Minnesota - GTC, Inc., Community Dental Care, TTL Consulting, Hmong American Partnership, Natalis Psychology, Allina Health, NWHSU, ChiroMe Health and Wellness, U of M ACCESS Project, Health Partners & HP Birth Center, VOA MN, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, American Heart Association, Project Tshav Ntuj, 10K Families Study, Tobacco Free Alliance, Hmong Breast Feeding Project, 123 Brush Dental,  Make It OK, and all independent community members. 

 

Monthly Meetings: 

HHCPC meets every first Thursday each month from 2:30PM-4:30PM. Locations of meetings vary from site to site. All we welcome to attend.