For Immediate Release
December 7, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO - Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) policy director Deeana Jang, JD, was honored by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) at its 30th anniversary dinner for her work to improve the lives of low-income immigrants.
Ms. Jang has worked tirelessly to champion the rights of immigrants, including survivors of domestic violence, and low-wage workers. She played a critical role in securing federal legislation to protect immigrant rights to benefits, status, and independence from abusers."We are proud that NILC is recognizing Deeana for her hard work on behalf of immigrant's rights and for her tireless commitment to improving the health of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities," said APIAHF interim president and CEO Marguerite Ro, DrPH.
As policy director for APIAHF, Deeana Jang leads APIAHF's work to improve access to health coverage and quality of care, expand linguistically and culturally competent health services, promote a more diverse health care workforce, improve data on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander health, and encourage investment in community-driven health strategies. Ms. Jang was honored along with Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney with Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) and the New Orleans Workers' Center for Racial Justice. Awardees were selected for their work on issues facing immigrants such as detainee rights, immigrant access to health care and other services, and worker's rights.
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
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