CBWCHC Receives $2.97 Million Gift from Walter and Shirley Wang to Expand Health Services for Asian American Immigrants and Other Vulnerable Populations

The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC) is grateful to announce a transformative $2.97 million gift from Walter and Shirley Wang to support expanded access to health care for Asian American immigrants and other vulnerable populations across New York City.

The generous donation will fund critical improvements, including the renovation of CBWCHC’s pediatric suite in Manhattan’s Chinatown, the establishment of a new Primary Eye Care Center in Flushing, Queens, and the hiring of additional health care professionals across its six service locations.

“We are thrilled that this donation enables us to significantly expand our Primary Eye Care services,” said Dr. Judy Lo, Chief of Primary Eye Care at CBWCHC. “Our new Primary Eye Care Center will provide comprehensive and preventive eye care, including early detection and management of eye conditions. Walter and Shirley Wang’s contribution allows us to serve even more patients in need, ensuring that all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay, can access quality eye care.”

The gift will provide CBWCHC with the resources to purchase other state-of-the-art medical equipment, benefiting vital services that include dental, OB/GYN, and mental health care.

The funds will also support the recruitment of internal medicine and mental health doctors, along with social workers, who are essential to helping vulnerable patients navigate and overcome barriers to accessing high-quality, affordable health care.

“With the Wangs’ support, we can further our mission to provide equitable health care to underserved communities,” said Kaushal Challa, CEO of CBWCHC. “Their generosity empowers us to make meaningful upgrades to our services and address the shortage of health care professionals to meet growing community needs. This gift is significant towards improving access to essential services and building the workforce needed to care for future generations.”

The gift will accelerate a major upgrade of the pediatric suite at CBWCHC’s 125 Walker Street location in Lower Manhattan. The Health Center’s pediatric team sees approximately 25,000 patient visits annually, and the renovation includes remodeling ten exam rooms, upgrading exam beds and diagnostic wall systems, and installing new HVAC units to enhance patient safety.

“We are deeply grateful to Walter and Shirley Wang for their steadfast commitment to public health and their dedication to our mission,” said Dr. Raymond Fong, President of the Chinatown Health Clinic Foundation, which leads fundraising efforts for CBWCHC. “The Wangs’ support will have a lasting impact on our ability to provide care for those most in need, and we are honored to receive this donation from a family that has done so much for health care on both a local and global scale.”

The Wang family has a long history of philanthropy in the areas of health care, education, and Asian American causes. Walter Wang’s father, Yung-Ching Wang, founded Taiwan’s Chang Gung Memorial Hospital system, one of the largest and most technologically advanced health networks in Asia. The Wangs’ commitment to public health aligns closely with CBWCHC’s mission to improve health care access for all. Walter and Shirley Wang have furthered this commitment through significant contributions to medical institutions, including Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, where their donations established the Walter and Shirley Wang Emergency Department Treatment Area East and the Walter and Shirley Wang Endowed Chair for Pediatric Surgery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they also provided more than 50,000 face shields to UCLA and Cedars-Sinai to protect health care workers.

Beyond health care, the Wangs have contributed to disaster relief efforts, social justice initiatives, and education institutions, including UCLA, Columbia University, Brown University, and Harvard Westlake School, for funding scholarships, endowed chairs, lounges, stadiums, and buildings, reflecting their broad commitment to improving lives and communities.

For more information about supporting the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center’s mission, please visit www.chinatownhealth.org.

About the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center

For more than 50 years, the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC) has been a leading health care provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable health care to underserved communities in Manhattan and Queens—with a focus on Asian Americans. Open seven days a week, CBWCHC accepts most major health insurance plans and offers comprehensive primary care services to children and adults including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Dental Care, Primary Eye Care, and Mental Health, across six locations in Manhattan and Queens. CBWCHC’s legacy of excellence is nationally recognized with its commitment to ensure equitable access to health care for all, regardless of ability to pay, language spoken, or immigration history. For more information, visit www.cbwchc.org.