The Book of Sorrows is a compilation of personal stories and testimonies of the impact of tobacco abuse on AAPI communities, especiallyforfamilies. Thisbookisintendedtobesharedwith communityleaders,familymembers,andpolicymakers. The individuals contributing to this book have done so in hopes that it will drive AAPI communities to promote a healthier lifestyle and understand the real impact of tobacco abuse.

Our intended audience for this report includes community- based organizations, coalitions, policy makers and government officials working to understand and address language issues in California. We hope this analysis raises awareness and informs policy making and long-term planning to meet the needs of this population.

Primary prevention and addressing the socio-economic and environmental determinants of health are also considered to be essential to improving health and well-being. More specifically for AA and NHPI communities, significant challenges remain in these areas: data collection, dissemination, and analysis; access to culturally and linguistically competent services; civil rights and equal opportunity; and community capacity to address local needs.

This agenda outlines our national policy priorities for 2008 to 2012, as part of an ambitious framework for change in policies, in systems, and in the fundamental ways that we address health for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

July 22–24, 2008, Sheraton Gateway Hotel, San Francisco International Airport

Data and research are important tools in helping assure access to quality primary and preventive services, especially for communities of color and indigenous peoples. A critical need exists for more data and research on the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The heterogeneity in languages and cultures, differing cultural beliefs and approaches towards health all contribute to misperceptions about the community and its health and health care needs.

On April 30 – May 1, 2007, a diverse group of researchers, advocates, health professionals, public health officials, community members, and other leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., for the first Health Brain Trust on Data & Research (“Health Brain Trust”). The Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) Health Brain Trust is an annual meeting of selected individuals, organized around a particular topic of interest to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHOPI) stakeholders.

This report appraises the health status of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) youth in the San Francisco Bay Area by identifying some critical health care concerns, programmatic and policy issues that affect the health needs of these youth.

A Book of Hope is primarily intended to educate a broad public audience about coping with the disease of cancer and cancer survivorship.

This case study provides an overview of the AAPI Partnerships efforts to create a dialogue and a relationship with the MPI faith leaders and faith-based organizations of California, with the goal of creating healthier surroundings for MPI community members. This document is a resource to you with examples of working with MPI faith communities in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. This case study highlights the design, implementation, evaluation, challenges and barriers, lessons learned, and program replicability of a statewide faith-based advocacy campaign.