Epidemiologic Profile 2010: Asians and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders

In August 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a groundbreaking report focusing on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities and their disease burden for several viral communicable diseases: specifically, HIV /AIDS; viral hepatitis; sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); and, tuberculosis (TB).

Small business employers have a difficult time providing coverage for themselves and their employees due to rising health insurance premiums. As a result, small businesses offering coverage declined from 68% in 2000 to 59% in 2007.

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), on behalf of 39 community-based organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, filed a historic amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The brief – APIAHF’s first appearance before the U.S. Supreme Court – is the only brief that specifically highlights the needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities.

The enactment of health care reform legislation will advance access to affordable, quality care for Pacific Islander communities. These advancements lay the groundwork for good health, but future efforts must further these improvements to ensure true, effective reform for low- income, minority populations like ours.

The nine principles are core expectations and minimum criteria that should govern the design and implementation of health information exchange and technology in California.