With a host of health care services, deficient health education, and translation services, Novi has evolved into a home away from home for families of Japanese origin moving to the Motor City – creating the rich, diverse culture that is now known as Little Tokyo. Embedded deep in Novi’s history is the growth of the Japanese community – a unique example of a healthcare facility – Providence Park Hospital that both adapted to and embraced this change by implementing the comprehensive Japanese Healthcare program. This progressive program has seen great success with free health screenings health fairs and meal options taken from a Japanese menu, offering vital support within the community.
The Little Tokyo of Michigan
Novi’s transformation into Little Tokyo began over two decades ago, as Japanese auto executives relocated to the Motor City. Providence Park Hospital was their first port of call for company physicals, and each year the number of Japanese patients increased. As one family’s stay in the U.S. came to a close, another would leave Japan and settle in or near Novi, continuing the growth of the area’s Japanese population.
The Japanese Health Care Programs of Novi
In 2009, the hospital decided to take action – creating an official Japanese Health Care program. This comprehensive program was designed to promote preventive health care with free health screenings and health fairs, as well as providing Japanese-speaking employees, Japanese-style hospital areas, and meal choices from a Japanese menu. Fast forward three years and the program has seen great success in its mission of enhancing the quality of life for the Japanese community of Novi.
This program has created a supportive environment and has provided comfort to those who may not speak English, allowing them to receive the care they need.
U.S. chains carrying Japanese products, translation and relocation services, documents and web info in Japanese, schools offering a six-day Japanese-style education, and the Japanese School of Detroit’s move to Novi from Birmingham in 2011 are all great examples of how this culture has been embraced in the area. Furthermore, many Japanese citizens have found success in engineering or research and development in cities such as Novi, Ann Arbor, and Springfield Township, often with an overseas assignment from their company. This shows how the auto supplier industry is investing in the United States to build their products.
The program overseen by St. John Providence’s Director of Occupational Health, Darlene Ephraim, has seen tremendous growth over the years and has even included cultural components such as Green Tea Chats to reach out to the Japanese community. Remarkably, the Japanese culture has been embraced to such a degree in this area.
Health fairs and screenings for bone density, blood pressure, and other concerns of Japanese patients have been made possible due to the dedication of Ephraim and her team. Furthermore, they offer extra support for newborn infant care, which is greatly appreciated by those who may not have the same support system in place as they would back home. St. John Providence is committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for its Japanese patients.
The Japanese Health Care Program in Novi has empowered and supported the growing Japanese community in the area. By equipping the program with Japanese-speaking staff, dedicated areas within the hospital, and a special menu, Providence Park Hospital has gone above and beyond to create a comfortable space and tailored resources for the betterment of its patients. This successful program reaffirms the importance of extending efforts to the different cultural communities present in our society, as they are integral to maintaining harmony and diversity.
