Beyond the Tiles: Navigating the Cultural and Gambling Aspects of Mahjong
Includes a Live Web Event on 05/21/2025 at 1:00 PM (CDT)
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- General Registration - Free!
Event Description: Mahjong is more than just a game—it's a cherished tradition that brings families and communities together, offering mental stimulation, social connection, and cultural continuity within many Asian households. However, when money enters the mix or social pressures take hold, the line between healthy recreation and gambling harm can begin to blur.
Join us on May 21st, 2025 from 1-2:30 CST for "Beyond the Tiles," a free virtual event designed to unpack the dual nature of Mahjong—as both a meaningful cultural practice and a potential gateway to gambling-related challenges.
Led by experts from the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), this training will shed light on how gambling is often culturally normalized, how stigma prevents many from seeking help, and how we can better support individuals and families through culturally sensitive prevention, dialogue, and education.
Objectives:
- Understand when Mahjong crosses the line: red flags like chasing losses, compulsive play, or borrowing money
- Explore gambling in Asian communities: stigma, normalization, and the mental health toll on immigrant families
- Learn how to support our communities: outreach strategies, multilingual counseling, and open family communication
Featured Speakers:
Mimi Tsang, MPH – Program Manager at MAHA, public health advocate, and leader in substance use and gambling prevention across Chicago’s Southwest Side.
Wenjia Dou, MSW – Program Coordinator at MAHA, community educator, and workshop facilitator on gambling awareness and youth prevention efforts in Asian American communities.
CEU Information: CE Application is pending approval by ICB.
This project is funded in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.
Mimi Tsang
Lead Coordinator for Substance Use Prevention & Gambling Awareness Program
Midwest Asian Health Association
Mimi Tsang, MPH is a Program Manager at Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA). Mimi earned her Master of Public Health with a focus on Health Behavior Promotion from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. At MAHA, she oversees substance use, gambling, and bullying prevention programs, leading public health outreach and awareness across Chicago’s Southwest Side. Passionate about education and health equity, Mimi raises awareness about substance use and gambling-related harms while working to reduce stigma in underserved communities, including Asian American populations. She partners with youth, schools, and local organizations to deliver accessible resources, facilitate workshops, promote harm reduction, and support early prevention efforts.
Wenjia Dou
Program Coordinator
Midwest Asian Health Association
Wenjia Dou is a Program Coordinator at the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), where she leads initiatives focused on substance use, gambling, bullying, and suicide prevention. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and Social Administration track from the University of Chicago. Wenjia has conducted multiple community workshops on gambling awareness for parents and adults, as well as addressing internet addiction and gambling behaviors in gaming among youth. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, she is passionate about promoting culturally responsive education and support within Asian American communities.
