25 Jun SERVING KORETOWN’S MOST VULNERABLE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Kheir Clinic distributes 800 meals to Koreatown residents with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

(LOS ANGELES, CA – June 25, 2020) – Kheir Clinic distributed 800 free meals to low-income Koreatown residents today at Kheir with special guest Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Hot meals were provided by Mr. Seung Hoon Lee, owner of Bon Shabu and Oyabun Restaurant in Koreatown.

Meal recipients included low-income patients of Kheir Clinic, residents of St. James Episcopal Church shelter, and families from Bresee Youth Center. Kheir Clinic is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides free and low-cost healthcare and human services for a multicultural population, with all services available in English, Korean, Spanish, Bengali and Thai.

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, who represents Koreatown and the surrounding neighborhoods of LA County Supervisorial District 2, attended the event to greet constituents and distribute meals to families.

“During this pandemic, low-income families have faced an unprecedented amount of financial distress, so we must do all that we can to help those who need it the most,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “I am proud to partner with Kheir Clinic to serve the Koreatown community. Hunger is an issue that affects so many, and we want to make sure that no individual goes home empty-handed.”

According to state data, the number of Los Angeles County residents enrolling in CalFresh (also known as SNAP or food stamps) nearly tripled in April 2020, compared to April 2019. The increase reflects a significant demand for food assistance during a period of uncertainty and financial hardship for low-income individuals and families.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on our community,” said Erin Pak, CEO of Kheir Clinic. “Many have lost jobs and benefits, and Kheir’s clinicians report that patients are struggling with hunger and food insecurity. We’ve been collaborating with local partners on food distribution initiatives like today’s event, making fresh and nutritious meals more accessible for our patients and neighbors.”

In addition to hot meals, attendees also received information on Kheir’s wide range of integrated healthcare services, including the clinic’s expansion of free COVID-19 testing. Tests are available for those with and without symptoms. Those who need results for work clearance, travel, or simple peace of mind may all receive testing if they do not have a regular source of primary care or access to COVID-19 testing elsewhere. Kheir Clinic also offers enrollment assistance for a variety of free and low-cost healthcare programs, including Medi-Cal, Covered California, Medicare, and Los Angeles County’s My Health LA program for undocumented residents.

Those who need assistance accessing free and affordable food may also visit covid19.lacounty.gov/food, which provides more information on nutrition programs, food banks, free meals, and other community resources for fighting food insecurity in Los Angeles County.

About Kheir: Since 1986, Kheir Clinic has addressed the community’s critical need for culturally and linguistically-sensitive quality health care and human services. Initially established to serve as a bridge between recently immigrated Koreans and local social service providers, Kheir has since evolved into Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides comprehensive services for a diverse population in four interrelated areas: Health Care, Human Services, Adult Day Health Care, and Affordable Housing.        

CEO of Kheir Clinic Erin Pak (left) and Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas passes out food to low-income residents in Koreatown during Kheir Clinic’s meal distribution.