HISTORY
NICOS was founded in 1985 when
five of the largest health care organizations in Chinatown joined to form
a representative voice for the Chinese community.
The group incorporated NICOS Chinese Health Coalition as a 501(c)3 nonprofit
agency in 1993. The organizations, whose names form the acronym “NICOS”,
were:
• North East Medical
Services;
• IPA (Chinese Community Health Care Association);
• Chinese Hospital;
• On-Lok Senior Health Services; and
• Self-Help for the Elderly.
Today, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition is a public-private-community partnership
of more than 30 health and human service organizations and concerned
individuals. NICOS’ membership includes health care agencies, education-
and faith-based institutions, housing and community development organizations,
and child
and youth development agencies.
MISSION
The mission of NICOS is to enhance the health and well-being of the San
Francisco Chinese community. The coalition fulfills its mission through
research, training,
advocacy, coalition-building and program implementation.
