KWA - SHIBA (State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors)

KWA is contracted with OIC (Office of Insurance Commissioner) to be a sponsor for ethnic minority population since July of ‘05.

SHIBA is a statewide network of trained volunteers who educate, assist and advocate for consumers about their rights and options regarding health insurance issues and health care access so they can make informed decisions. We help with any concerns, questions regarding health insurances in the State of Washington.

Eunice Lee is our part time volunteer coordinator.

Breast Cancer Navigator

The purpose of the Breast Cancer Navigator program is to help to the Asian Pacific Islander and African American women who have an abnormal examination or a positive finding to the availability of screening for breast health and available low-cost and free services. The program will decrease fragmentation of care, coordinate services and guide patients seeking breast care through the health care system.

Our breast cancer program provide services to people belong in the following:

• If you are over 40years old and doesn't have medical insurance or can't pay the medical bills.
• If you are under 40 years old and find lump on your breast.
• Provide culturally appropriate literature on coping with cancer
• Refer women to screening mammogram, support group class and other program and resources for information and supports.
• Help women to identify resources, medication needs, transportation, interpretation and other concerns.
• Provide culturally sensitive training in breast self-examination and breath health.
• Assist in identifying strategies that help to ensure a better quality of life.
• When breast cancer is found early, your chance for survival is the greatest.

Tobacco Cessation Program

KWA cessation class and quit line provide multicultural community residents with free one-on-one counseling, NRT(Nicotine Replacement Therapy), and referrals to local stop smoking programs. The program trains healthcare system providers to effectively intervene with their patients who are smokers, and to assist these patients in quitting.

When you decide you want to quit smoking, there is lots of help available.

• Telephone Help Lines: Washington Tobacco Quit Line : 1-877-270-7867 • Korean Women's Association Quit Line: 253-538-8360
• KWA has lots of materials that provide advice on how to quit.
• KWA provides free cessation class that for everyone who wants to stop smoking.
• Nicotine patch helps smokers quit very well. But remember, it is much more beneficial when used with a cessation program, quit smoking materials, and the telephone help line.

Cessation class is adjustable to your convenient time and helps you until you stop smoking. Please don't hesitate to have support.

Cessation class starts everyday. One time per a week for 4-6 weeks

If you have questions, please contact KWA (253-538-8360)

Tobacco program is funded by American Legacy Foundation, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department(TPCHD), Department of Health and Asian Pacific Islander Coalition Against Tobacco(APICAT) Breast Cancer Navigator program is funded by Susan G. Koman Foundation.