Expert Profile
Changvang Her
Director of Hospital Services
Healthy House
Expertise:
health care interpretive services
understanding between physicians and Hmong shamans in the Central Valley
shaman tools, altars and traditional practices of the Hmong
diabetes and hypertension among Hmong populations
wedding mediation among Hmong clans
Biography
Over the past 24 years, Mr. Changvang Her has been involved in the Hmong community as a healthcare interpreter, cultural broker and director of several programs for the Merced-based nonprofit Healthy House. Mr. Her directed language service projects and its "Partners in Healing Project," which worked to create more understanding between physicians and Hmong shamans in the Central Valley. Mr. Her facilitated home visits that allow Western doctors to observe traditional ceremonies, and he shared information about shaman tools, altars and the cultural meanings of traditional practices. He also teaches the Hmong community about common health problems such as diabetes and hypertension. Mr. Her is also a key advisor for the local Her clan. Born in Laos, Mr. Her fought against the Communist takeover of Laos at age 14 but wasn't able to flee from Laos to Thailand until 1980. He migrated to Portland, Ore., later that year. Among his many Hmong community activities in the Central Valley, Mr. Her serves as the Txiv Tuam Mej Koob, or wedding mediator, for different Hmong clans.
1729 Canal St.
Merced California 95340
United StatesOffice Phone:
(209) 724-0102
Office Fax:
(209) 724-0153
