Network Director

Philadelphia’s Chinatown is a growing community of Asian-owned small businesses, schools, and places of worship. With over 2,000 residents, it contains a senior housing complex, low-income housing, and many more apartments and houses. As the historical heart of Asian culture in the city–from its multitude of authentic restaurants and shops to its vibrant festivals–it is where Asian Americans across the Greater Philadelphia area can feel at home. However, as of July 2022, the owners of the professional NBA Basketball team, the 76ers, have proposed the construction of a sports arena at the border of Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

This proposal was made without consulting the residents, small business owners, or organizations within Chinatown that would be directly impacted. The building of this sports arena could lead to gentrification, displacement, and quality of life issues not only for the residents of Chinatown but also for the Center City community as a whole.

Under the coordination of Jefferson APAMSA President, Kameron Inguito Medical Student ’26, the Jefferson APAMSA chapter hosted a postcard writing tabling event standing in solidarity with the No Arena in Chinatown movement. This event allowed members of the community to write postcards showing support against the arena’s construction, which were promptly sent to the city council. Although this was a step in the right direction, we knew that we could do more. 

With the help of our Jefferson APAMSA Cultural Director, Sandra Yang Medical Student ’26, the Jefferson APAMSA chapter led an event to teach about the proposed arena and its detrimental effects, and to create rally signs for the No Arena In Chinatown Protest, which took place on June 10th. One of the main goals of our APAMSA chapter is to advocate for and serve the Asian population in our community within Philadelphia. We recognize that there is still more work to be done, and we will continue this fight for as long as we can.

We are a group of medical students from Guam raising money for Typhoon Relief for our island community.

Guam, a gem nestled in the western Pacific Ocean, holds immense significance both historically and culturally. Known as “Where America’s Day Begins,” this stunning island community is a melting pot of Chamorro traditions and Western influences. With a rich history spanning centuries, Guam has captivated visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical rainforests. However, the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Mawar calls for our urgent attention and support to help Guam recover and rebuild from this natural disaster.

As you may be aware, Typhoon Mawar heavily impacted the U.S. territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) with intense winds, flooding rain, and a life-threatening storm surge Wednesday evening (May 24, 2023). Most of Guam is without power after sustained winds of 140 mph whipped across the islands. Electricity, water, gas, and communications (including internet services) may continue to be unavailable for weeks and perhaps months. Moreover, the only public hospital on the island (Guam Memorial Hospital) also sustained major damage with severe leaks, flooding, walls collapsing, and loss of the kitchen due to an electrical fire. President Biden declared that a major disaster exists on the island of Guam ordering Federal aid to supplement local recovery efforts. The White House Response

In light of the devastating effects of the typhoon, we are seeking your support to help aid the recovery and rebuilding efforts of our island home.

All funds raised will directly support local and national charities to obtain vital supplies for those most vulnerable in the community.

Funds will be distributed to support the following efforts:

-American Red Cross: Typhoon Mawar – Red Cross Donation Link

-Micronesian Climate Change Alliance – https://mccalliance.org/

-Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund – https://guam.salvationarmy.org/guam/

-Purchase and deliver supplies for Guamanians displaced. Supplies needed include:

• Toiletries
• Candles
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Water
• Coolers
• Dry/nonperishable foods
• Tarps
• Cleaning Kits
• Rakes and Shovels

si Yu’us ma’åse’

Kai Akimoto, MS2 University of Minnesota School of Medicine

Ariana Barreau, MS4 Carle Illinois College of Medicine UIUC

CJ Hattori, MS1 University of California San Diego

Tiffie Keung, MS4 Michigan State University College of Medicine

Eric Pineda, MS4 Tulane University School of Medicine

Paul Tominez, MS3 University of California San Francisco

Jia Jia Zhang, MS3 Harvard Medical School