Healthy Koreatown
A sponsored class in which students use evidence-based interventions and research to increase the rate of cancer screenings in marginalized communities in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
Social Innovation
Project Group:
Alex Jung
Henry Zhang
Jasmine Dixon
Our Research Strategy
1. Talk to People
Interviews with medical professionals and community leaders
2. Find What Worked Before
Cross-reference existing evidence-based interventions as effective strategies
3. Synthesize Information
Generate insights for more targeted research
4. Propose
Ideate possible solutions based on insights
Meet the Neighborhood
A vibrant portion of Los Angeles with a rich history of marginalized housing and businesses, Koreatown has grown into an iconic landmark, a place of pride and heritage for the families who live there.
Photo by Abbie Berret on Unsplash
Insights
01.
BARRIERS
Cultural and language barriers, along with a lack of cancer education, often lead to misunderstandings about cancer and how to prevent it.
02.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Many community groups have their own traditional healthcare practices and show low levels of trust in the U.S. medical system.
03.
FAMILY SUPPORT
In Korean and Hispanic communities, people may avoid learning about serious illnesses and often rely on family when making health decisions.
Types of Barriers:
Educational
Language
Cultural
Demographics
48% Hispanic
15% Asian
7% African American
55.3% of residents in Koreatown were born out of country.
Families
47% of residential units in Koreatown are family units
13% are 60 or older
A Design that Connects the Community
Information Sharing
Give residents information about the importance of cancer screenings while overcoming language and cultural barriers, through channels they trust
Printed material disbursement
Incentives
Offset the pain point of an uncomfortable medical experience with a positive one available upon completion
Pride of Place
Encourage the residents to feel connected to and proud of their neighborhood
A map of the area
Our Solution
Involvement of local businesses
A Map is a Contextual Reflection of Where You Are
The Map connects residents to businesses, landmarks, and care centers
An Information Delivery Packet Designed to Address Barriers
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Accessible cancer information is printed in multiple languages
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Coupon incentives involve local businesses in Koreatown, which recipients redeem at their screenings
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A folder with the map ties participating businesses, community centers, and healthcare providers to place
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The folder provides a directory of hospital departments to call for screening appointments
Our objective during this project was to create a system connecting residents, local businesses and Cedars Sinai hospitals through mutual benefit that would help promote trust in the healthcare system.
*AI Use
All icon images for this project were generated using AI, as stand ins for artist originated art that would be created for this initiative.
Midjourney, Spring 2025