“2026 Seniors’ Joy Program (Phase 1)” — Third Activity Brief

On January 31, 2026, Dr. Shuling Zhang, Deputy Executive Director of the Chinese American Community Health Services (CACHS) and a long-time senior volunteer to present a lecture for seniors titled “Montgomery County medical and wellness resources” .

The presentation outlines the work of the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI), a program within the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, with a focus on the Public Resources Education Program (PREP) in partnership with Chinese American Community Health Services (CACHS). AAHI’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of Asian American communities in Montgomery County through equity-driven, community-engaged, and data-informed approaches.

The presentation highlights key demographic information about Asian Americans in Maryland and Montgomery County, noting that Chinese, Asian Indian, Korean, Filipino, and Vietnamese populations make up the largest subgroups. A significant portion of the Asian American population in the county is foreign-born, and many households face limited English proficiency, which can create barriers to accessing health and social services. These data emphasize the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach and education.

AAHI offers a wide range of programs designed to address community needs across the lifespan. These include community outreach and health education workshops, senior wellness initiatives, behavioral and mental health programs, and community empowerment efforts such as PREP and cultural competency training. AAHI also provides multilingual educational materials and resources, including brochures available in Chinese and other Asian languages.

The presentation provides detailed information on frequently requested Montgomery County programs. These include Montgomery Cares for uninsured adults, Care for Kids for uninsured children, and the Maternity Partnership program for pregnant individuals without insurance. Additional services discussed include Medicaid and the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP), low-cost dental programs, mental health and substance use screening through ACCESS to Behavioral Health, and aging and caregiver support services.

Other critical resources covered include food assistance through SNAP, energy assistance programs, cancer screening initiatives for women and colorectal cancer prevention, and MC 311, the county’s central information line. AAHI also offers personalized service referrals to help residents navigate available programs and connect with appropriate care.

Overall, the presentation emphasizes AAHI’s role as a trusted bridge between Montgomery County services and Asian American communities, working to reduce health disparities and improve access to essential health and social resources through education, outreach, and coordinated support.

After the lecture, the seniors enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea. While the cold wind howled outside, the room was filled with the aroma of hot tea. Laughter and cheerful conversations echoed throughout the room, creating an especially warm and cozy atmosphere.

After the intermission, dance instructor Ms. Yin Huan led the seniors into a senior dance session set to lively music. As the saying goes, balancing rest and movement is key—after listening to the lecture, some light exercise was exactly what the seniors needed. Accompanied by their happy smiles, this week’s Joyful Aging program came to a smooth and joyful close.

（By Jennifer Zhang）