AKRON, Ohio — For nearly 30 years, Asian Services in Action has been providing help for the refuge community in Summit county

What You Need To Know

  • The International Health Clinic (ICHC) in Akron works to provide medical assistance for refuges of Summit County 

  • Individuals and families can be seen for basic immunizations, family practice and also referrals 

  • ICHC serves as the refugee health screening site for Summit County.

  • Back in 2019, Ohio welcomed 1,500 refuges, who the Ohio government says settled in one of five counties, including summit 

"I am myself a refugee," said Tara Bozguy, a medical assistant. "I came here as a refugee a long time ago.” 

Bozguy came to the United States when she was only five years old. She understands the struggle for refugees.

“As for me, I never had a health exam back in my country," she said.

Knowing that struggle, Bozguy works to reassure her patients.

“Every time when [patients] come in here, I told them like, 'I come here like you guys, so don't worry,'" she said. "'Everything will be settled when you start living here.'"

The International Community Health Center (ICHC) serves as the Refugee Health Screening site for Summit County.

“We just want to make sure they are mentally and physically fit and fine here,” Bozguy said.

In 2019, Ohio welcomed 1,500 refuges, who the Ohio government said a majority settled in five counties, including Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery and Summit. 

At the clinic, basic vitals are taken, updated immunizations, blood work and referrals can be made if additional help is needed. Dr. Sibley Strader works hands on with patients as they come through the clinic.

“I'm the family doctor," she said. "I take care of patients from all age groups, from newborn to geriatrics."

Strader also knows the struggles of being a refugee.

“My parents are first-generation immigrants, and they work very hard to build a life here,” she said.

That life her parents worked hard for is a life that most of the patients at the clinic are searching for. 

“There is some degree of helplessness and some degree of anxiety, not knowing what to expect,” Strader said.

This is why Strader and Bozguy make it their goal to make each patient feel at home.

“I want to celebrate the strength, and I want to show appreciation of what they do and also make sure they are healthy and happy when they can thrive and they can see their children and grandchildren success in this country,” Strader said. 

For more information about the services that are provided at ICHC, click here.