A public celebration will be held on Sunday for the full launch of health and wellness services at the county’s Vietnamese American Service Center in San Jose.
The center, which opened in December, added additional services to its second floor, including outpatient primary care, behavioral health services, dental care, a pharmacy and medical labs.
Initial offerings included behavioral health navigation, Valley Health Center patient navigation, health coverage enrollment assistance, emergency rental assistance, COVID-19 support programs , a nutritional meal program for seniors, health education and community wellness programs.
“Over the years, as we have watched VASC grow from concept to reality, it has been extremely gratifying to watch it grow into one of the finest and best-equipped buildings in the county,” said the county executive. , Dr. Jeffrey V. Smith, in a press release.
“In each phase of its opening, our community has repeatedly shared their enthusiasm for this community center, and we are seeing in real time the impact of the services on the lives of a long underserved population.”
Demand for services at VASC continues to grow, officials said. The Center’s Seniors Meal Program, which initially served 180 meals a day, now serves 500.
“We assist community members with multiple services, including requests that are not health-related, such as assistance with completing an application or interpreting a jury duty notice. They have a place to go where they feel comfortable and welcome, even if they are not entirely sure about all the services we offer at VASC, they know that we can help them in their language,” said Mikelle Le, Manager of VASC .
“When they share their gratitude with us, it warms the heart to know that we can provide the services that are important to them.”
The center took nearly a decade to become a reality, after a county-led study found notable health disparities and barriers to health and social services among Vietnamese and Spanish-speaking communities.
The VASC celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 2410 Senter Road. The event will open with lion dances and commentary from officials, followed by an afternoon of local Vietnamese and Spanish artists and tours of the facilities.
For more information about VASC, call (408) 828-4981 or email [email protected].
