Vietnamese American Service Center To Open In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — The Vietnamese American Service Center (VASC) will become the first one-stop location in Santa Clara County to offer a wide range of services in Vietnamese and Spanish beginning this month.

The center, located at 2410 Senter Road in East San José, will be a resource hub for culturally competent and language accessible health and human services, county officials said in a news release.

“Santa Clara County is made up of many cultures and languages. The completion and opening of the VASC is a significant milestone in our goal to more fully represent our unique communities,” said County Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “I’m extremely proud of the work that has been done to get us here and to have a County-operated center that offers services to our residents in a way that respects and celebrates the rich diversity they bring to our area.”

Despite Santa Clara County being home to the second largest Vietnamese population outside of Viet Nam, county officials said studies have shown significant health disparities among the community, perpetuated by cultural and language barriers to vital services.

“For those who have struggled to make a doctor’s appointment, get food assistance, or find help with any number of life challenges because of language or cultural barriers, this center is for you,” said County Executive Jeffrey V. Smith, M.D., J.D. “We want this to be a place that welcomes residents of all cultural backgrounds – a place where they can feel supported and understood.”

The VASC will offer access to behavioral health services, primary care, dental care, social services, a senior nutrition program, on-site child supervision, a suite of community programming to promote wellness, and more. Language capacity at the center will include, at minimum, English, Vietnamese, and Spanish, reflecting the communities and populations that will be served at the Center. Limited services will begin in November, with plans for full operation by Feb. 2022.

“These services are all connected to one’s wellbeing – not just physical but also mental and emotional,” said Betty Duong, manager for the VASC. “Being able to address these basic needs in the language you are most comfortable speaking, among a community of people who understand your cultural identity, is a big step toward equity.”

The public is invited to a celebration at the VASC:

Saturday, Oct. 23, at 12 p.m.
2410 Senter Rd
San José, CA 95112

Registration is required to ensure COVID-19 protocols are met. PUBLIC PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICE will be available at 1875 & 1877 Senter Rd, San José, CA 95112. There is NO public parking available at the Vietnamese American Service Center on the day of the event.