Asian Health Services Celebrates 50 Years of Serving Oakland Chinatown and Beyond

In 1974, a group of young student activists founded Asian Health Services (AHS) as a one-room clinic in Oakland Chinatown on Harrison Street. The students sought to address the pressing need to provide underserved immigrant populations with culturally competent healthcare regardless of income, insurance, immigration status, language, or culture. 

From a one room clinic its first year, AHS has grown to a multisite community health center with thirteen clinics serving over 50,000 patients annually across 14 different languages. AHS now joins together with Oaklandish in this collaboration reflecting on its 50 years providing health care for all and advocating for the underserved. 

About the Design 

Inspired by the very community AHS sprouted from, the t-shirt design centers Oakland Chinatown landmarks meaningful to the neighborhood as well as AHS’ history. Landmarks include the iconic junk boat at Lincoln Square Park to the former Silver Dragon Restaurant which now houses AHS’ Rolland and Kathryn Lowe Medical Center. Walking the streets, it’s hard to miss the brightly patterned pedestrian scrambles that have covered Chinatown crosswalks since 2002 after AHS embarked on a pedestrian safety campaign. 

The design also includes the benevolent green dragon protecting Wilma Chan Park, a gathering ground for AHS’ protests, rallies, and community food distributions. Anchoring the design are Chinatown’s small businesses including restaurants and family-owned grocery stores that the community relies on. Flanking the landmarks include waves, which pays homage to AHS’ long standing wave logo—a symbol of the waves of immigration bringing families and refugees across the Pacific Ocean during the 20th century. 

Be sure to support Oakland Chinatown businesses and check out the landmarks of the neighborhood!

A portion of proceeds from this shirt go towards supporting Asian Health Services’ medical, dental, behavioral health care and community programs including the Community Healing Unit and food distributions.

Shop the collection: Hometown Collection

For additional information: Asian Health Services Celebrates 50 Years