In the summer of July 2021, the state of California lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions, and Tzu Chi USA’s community clinic, which had shut its doors for more than one year amid public health precautions, reopened again. The initial opening provided free check-ups to volunteers to ensure wellness at community events.

To help older Asian Americans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, doctors from Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) in Las Vegas worked together with the community to obtain 300 doses of the vaccine. Tzu Chi’s vaccination event was successfully completed in an orderly manner, and in this difficult time, the positive energy and compassion delivered a welcome warmth that soothed the heartache brought forth by COVID-19, enabling residents to feel that hope is indeed still on the horizon.

Tzu Chi Medical volunteer TsuiLin Venezuela assists in administering the vaccine. Photo/Audrey Cheng Written by Audrey Cheng Translated by Diana Chang Edited by Ida

To help keep members of the San Gabriel Valley community safe amid the continued spread of COVID-19, a second antibody testing event was held in San Dimas, California — this time specifically for members of Tzu Chi.