Chicago's mission of medicine was initiated by Dr. Kuo Chung-yuan and Sister Hou Tzu-Un. Since 1995, Chicago's TIMA (Tzu Chi International Medical Association) team has sponsored and provided free clinic and free medical consultation to people at the annual Overseas Chinese Cultural Festival; given free medical check-up for children of school age prior to the beginning of school year; and supported medical mission in Central and South American countries.