December 21 , 2006
Two Decades Of Growth
I am pleased to present this update on the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum’s 20th anniversary in advocating for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.
This past year, our nation was faced with challenges that seemed insurmountable. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita tested the federal government’s resources and response to a disaster with unprecedented impact. The loss of civilians and military personnel in Iraq continued to take its toll on the national psyche. Immigration debates divided the country, forcing us to further examine racial bias and its negative impact on employment and healthcare.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) was a vocal presence in these national events and movements. We responded to the needs of Southeast Asian victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, who were overlooked by the media. We ensured increased resources for AAPI health in federal and state budgets, despite increased spending on the war in Iraq. As new legislation was implemented in Medicaid and Medicare, we protected the interests of immigrants, the elderly and limited-English-proficient patients, as they navigate the system.
As we embark on our third decade, APIAHF is committed to providing a venue for integrating efforts in policy, research and programs that benefit the health of AAPI communities. We face new challenges and opportunities as demographics shift and many states experience growth in AAPI populations. We have a new generation of community members whose cultural filters are different from twenty years ago. These are changes that push us towards progress.
APIAHF responds to these changes by forging a strong network of community-based AAPI health leaders. We continue to work in partnership with government, foundation and corporate sectors, serving as a vital link for health and human service agencies and communities.
Thank you for contributing to our legacy of service.
Sincerely,
Ho L. Tran, M.D., M.P.H.
President & CEO
