About us

CONGOLESE HEALTH BOARD: SUPPORTING CONGOLESE PEOPLE

“Keeping Your Health and Well-being in Mind.”

The Congolese Health Board (CHB) is an administrative entity formed by Congolese health professionals and volunteers concerned about the health disparities disproportionately affecting Congolese immigrants and refugees in the United States. In Washington State, the CHB coordinates all public health needs identified by the Congolese Community of State of Washington (CCSWA) and the Congolese United Foundation (CUF), both public, non-profit 501(c)3 organizations. In the United States and worldwide, the CHB is part of a consortium to channel external resources and support the eradication of viral hepatitis.

Many Congolese immigrants are facing multiple issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues such as poverty, systemic racism, lack of access to resources, and emotional trauma create gaps in essential health services. The Congolese Health Board aims to eliminate and reduce health disparities for Congolese immigrants.

Our Mission

The Congolese Health Board collaborates with the Congolese Community of Washington State and the Congolese United Foundation to meet the Congolese's wide range of health and social needs and advocate through community engagement, empowerment, and resource connections. We are the leading administrative body dedicated to addressing and mitigating the health disparities that disproportionately impact Congolese immigrants and refugees in the United States. We aim to promote health equity, provide resources, and create platforms that champion the well-being and holistic health of the Congolese community in the U.S. The CHB envisions a healthier, informed, and empowered Congolese immigrant and refugee population through collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and outreach.

TEam

The Team

Jean-Jacques Kayembe, MD, MPH, PhDc

Founder

Founder and Executive Director of the Congolese Health
Board, Jean-Jacques earned his Medical Degree at the
University of Kinshasa School of Medicine and his master’s
degree in public health at the University of Washington. He
manages the team to help support the Congolese community’s
health goals.

Sandrine Ebengho, Bs, MPHc

Board Member

Board member of the Congolese Health Board, Sabrina, graduated from the University of
Washington School of Public Health with a focus on Global Health. She brings extensive field
experience working with diverse marginalized communities in Washington State.

Zola BankaYor MD, MPH

Board Member

Board member of the Congolese Health Board, Bankayor
graduated from the University of Kinshasa School of Medicine
and holds a Master of Public Health from Georges Washington
University, Milken School of Public Health, focusing on
Global Health. He brings extensive field experience working
in different low-income settings throughout Africa.

Lydia Kona, MD, MPHc

Board Member

Board member of the Congolese Health Board, Lydia graduated from the University of
Kinshasa School of Medicine and is now working on her Master of Public Health, focusing on
Global Health. She brings extensive field experience working with diverse marginalized
communities in low-income settings.

Madeleine Kabena, RN, JD

Board Member

Board Member of the Congolese Health Board, Madeleine worked as an Attorney in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, then transitioned to supporting Congolese immigrants as a
registered nurse. She brings expertise in both nursing and legal matters affecting Congolese

Oumarou Diallo, MD, MPH

Board Member

Board Member of the Congolese Health Board, Oumarou Diallo works as a Public Health Seattle
& King County Disease investigator.

Youssoufa, Hassana, MD, MPH

Board Member

Board member of the Congolese Health Board, Board Member of the Congolese Health Board, Youssoufa Hassana, worked as research scientist

Jean-Sylvain Kabuya, MD.

Board Member

Founder of the Lydie Family Home LLC, Jean-Sylvain attended the
University of Kinshasa for his Medical Degree. With broad experience
in healthcare management, he advises and supports the Board by
providing extensive knowledge to our team.

Our Work

educate and inform

Public Health

At the Congolese Health Board, we strive to educate and inform the Congolese community about major public health issues in our community. We serve as a bridge between the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH), Public Health Seattle & King County (PHSKC), and local health jurisdictions across the state.

 

The Congolese Health Board helps ensure Congolese immigrants are well-informed about King County and Washington State public health threats. 

The Congolese Health Board helps connect Congolese immigrants with resources regarding chronic diseases.

Interpretation, Translation, & Cultural Competency Services

Sometimes there are obstacles to communicating with healthcare providers in a medical office; The Congolese Health Board helps ensure Congolese immigrants receive the best care possible by offering interpretation services to limited-English proficient clients.  The CHB provides interpretation and translation services in Swahili, Lingala, and French to bridge communication gaps between healthcare professionals and Congolese immigrants, ensuring accurate and clear information exchange.

Also, the CHB conducts workshops for healthcare providers, social workers, and community leaders to enhance their understanding of Congolese culture, values, and customs. This will help them provide more effective and respectful care to Congolese immigrants.

Equity, Social justice & Health disparities

Many Congolese immigrants face multiple issues exacerbated by COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Issues such as poverty, systemic racism, lack of access to resources, and emotional trauma create gaps in essential health services. The Congolese Health Board aims to eliminate and reduce health disparities for Congolese immigrants.

Family-Centered Care & Senior Health Promotion Program

The Congolese Health Board helps promote the well-being of Congolese immigrants and their families.

Community-Based Participatory Research, System & Policy

The Congolese Health Board partners with multiple King County and Washington state organizations to inform, adapt, and co-lead community-based research. In addition, CHB strives to convey Congolese immigrants’ health and social needs to legislators at all levels (County and State).

Developmental Screening & Adolescent Health

The Congolese Health Board helps promote the well-being of infants, adolescents, and young Congolese immigrants.

Services

  • Health Access Program: Given the debates around extending government healthcare coverage to immigrants, the CHB will focus on ensuring that Congolese immigrants receive proper healthcare coverage, including medical check-ups and emergency care, which would be crucial.
 
 
  • Cultural Health Education Workshops: Host workshops to address cultural health practices and beliefs, facilitating better understanding between healthcare providers and Congolese immigrants. These workshops with healthcare providers, social workers, and community leaders enhance their knowledge of Congolese culture, values, and customs. This will help them provide more effective and respectful care to Congolese immigrants.
 
 
  • Language Assistance Services: Provide translation and interpretation services to assist non-English-speaking immigrants during medical appointments. CHBs provide interpretation and translation services in Swahili, Lingala, and French to bridge communication gaps between healthcare professionals and Congolese immigrants, ensuring accurate and precise information exchange.
  • Mental Health and Trauma Support: Recognize the traumatic experiences some Congolese immigrants might have faced and offer counseling services, support groups, and therapy sessions.
 
 
  • Preventive Health Campaigns: Leverage the CDC’s efforts on disease surveillance and border health capacity to run campaigns on preventive health measures specific to the needs of Congolese immigrants. The CHB organizes regular seminars on topics such as nutrition, preventive healthcare, mental health, and family planning, tailored to the Congolese community’s specific health concerns and preferences.
 
 
  • Social Integration Programs: Activities that promote integration into the local community, focusing on understanding U.S. healthcare systems, rights as immigrants, and available resources.
 
 
  • Collaboration with Local organizations: Collaborate with local organizations that fund immigrant and refugee groups to garner support for the health board’s activities.
 
 
  • Counseling and Mental Health Support: Establish counseling services that address trauma, resettlement stress, and cultural adjustment challenges. Offer support groups that focus on sharing experiences and coping strategies.
 
 
  • Community Health Fairs: Host health fairs featuring screenings, vaccinations, and consultations with medical professionals. Include information booths on health insurance, local healthcare resources, and available support services.
 
 
  • Parenting Workshops: Offer workshops addressing parenting challenges in a new cultural context. Cover topics such as navigating the U.S. education system, addressing generational gaps, and promoting healthy family dynamics.
 
 
  • Youth Empowerment Programs: Develop after-school programs, mentorship initiatives, and leadership development opportunities for Congolese youth, helping them integrate into their new community while staying connected to their cultural heritage.
 
 
  • Health Navigator Services: Train community members as health navigators who can guide immigrants through the complex healthcare system, helping them schedule appointments, understand medical instructions, and access appropriate resources.
 
 
  • Access to Affordable Healthcare: Collaborate with local health clinics to ensure Congolese immigrants access affordable healthcare options, including information about insurance options and low-cost clinics.