About
The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC) is a cornerstone of health equity and culturally competent care in New York City, specifically serving the Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities with profound dedication and expertise. Founded in 1971 by a group of dedicated medical students and community activists who recognized the dire lack of accessible, linguistically appropriate health services in Manhattan's Chinatown, it has grown from a single, volunteer-staffed storefront into a premier Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a national model for community-based care. Named in 2005 in honor of Charles B. Wang, the co-founder of Computer Associates International and a major philanthropist whose generosity enabled significant expansion, the Health Center embodies a mission 'to provide comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality primary and preventive health care services to all, especially the underserved Asian American and immigrant communities, with a deep commitment to linguistic and cultural sensitivity.' What truly sets CBWCHC apart is its holistic, integrated care model that seamlessly blends medical, dental, and behavioral health services with crucial community support programs, all delivered by a multilingual, multicultural staff fluent in over a dozen Asian languages and dialects, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Toisanese, Korean, and Bengali. Its unique value proposition lies in its unwavering ability to break down the formidable barriers—language, culture, cost, fear, and systemic inequity—that prevent vulnerable populations from seeking care. The Center is not just a clinic; it is a trusted community institution and a patient-centered medical home that addresses the social determinants of health through services like health education, nutrition counseling, insurance enrollment assistance, and youth programs. Its expertise extends beyond clinical excellence to deep community advocacy and public health innovation, conducting outreach and research to tackle issues disproportionately affecting Asian Americans, such as hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and mental health stigma. With a relentless focus on prevention, education, and empowerment, the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center doesn't just treat illness; it builds a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community, setting a gold standard for what accessible, respectful, and comprehensive community health care can and should be.
Additional Details
Specialization:
Comprehensive, culturally and linguistically appropriate primary and preventive health care for underserved Asian American and immigrant communities, operating as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Years of Experience:
53
Education & Certifications:
Accredited by The Joint Commission. Staff includes board-certified physicians, licensed nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), and registered dietitians. The organization itself is a certified Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Professional Memberships:
Member of the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF).
Awards & Recognitions:
Numerous awards for service excellence, including the US Public Health Service Primary Care Excellence Award, the New York State Governor's Award for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and consistent "Top Performer" recognition from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for clinical quality measures. Recognized as a national leader in hepatitis B screening and prevention.
Pricing & Insurance:
Operates on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size, ensuring no one is denied services due to inability to pay. Accepts most major insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and numerous commercial insurances. Uninsured patients are assisted in enrolling in available programs or charged according to the sliding scale.
Customer Reviews
I recently found out Charles B. Wang Community Health Center also offer dental and eye care services. I saw Dr. Judy Lo, an OD, today at their 125 Walker St location. Dr. Lo was friendly, professional and provided me with great service so much that I was willing to go to her office in Flushing, Queens for a follow up test instead of a referral nearby.
I love all the doctors and staff at CBWCHC! And there is never a long wait time! CBWCHC definitely needs to advertise the services offered at their Walker St location!
Dr. Kathleen Phung is incredibly kind, patient, and professional. She always takes her time to answer all of my questions and truly cares about my baby. Every visit has been a great experience. If I hadn’t moved to Atlanta, I would definitely continue having Dr. Kathleen Phung as my baby’s pediatrician. Highly recommend!
Very attentive. Easy to understand my dental problem and solution. Walk out of the office felt confident that my dental welfare is under well care. As long as I follow Dr’s advise. Brush my teeth after every meal.
I really appreciate the care and treatment Charles B Wang health center offers, from stepping into the center to all the way through the process, everything is streamlined and efficient. Making an appointment is always easy and they are great at calling back once there is a cancellation to move you up to a sooner spot. I am very happy with all the treatments I have received. Thank you so much ~
Highly helpful and friendly front desk staff who try to look after each patient with utmost care. I am delighted to report that I have been treated by Dr. Jia Min Luo who is extremely knowledgeable and professional. Besides her high level of expertise in dentistry she also possesses a pleasant personality and friendly attitude towards her patients. I can confidently recommend Dr Luo and Charles B. Wang Community Health Center to anyone who needs its various medical services.
