The Fiscal Cliff and Health: A Scary Combination
by Kathy Lim Ko
New trending topic: the fiscal cliff. Washington loves its metaphors and the fiscal cliff is no exception. Unless Congress and the administration reach a new compromise, come Jan. 2, 2013, discretionary spending, or what most people really consider "government" -- education, transportation and health -- will be slashed by 8.2 percent.
This has dire consequences for the nation's economy. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the economy will shrink and unemployment will rise.
Going over the fiscal cliff will also have a serious impact on public health and access to quality health care for the entire nation now and years to come. The Budget Control Act requires a $1.5 trillion cut in federal programs over the next decade. This comes at a time when low-income Americans continue to ride out a weak economy and rely more than ever on safety net programs to receive health care and food, and while states begin implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to make health insurance coverage more affordable for millions of uninsured Americans. Continue Reading
Resources from APINCSN
APINCSN Videos of Hope - Debbie Kenui
In 2003, Debbie was told that she had breast cancer. She was only 39 years old. Like many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders going through treatment for the first time, she experienced the lack of survivorship programs in her state which she needed in order to cope. Instead, she found strength through the support and love that she received from her family and friends. Listen to Debbie’s story in her fight against breast cancer and her message of hope to all survivors by visiting this link.
APINCSN Moving Against Cancer Webinar Series
In case you missed it, APINCSN produced a series of webinars this year that shared valuable information on critical issues in cancer care, survivorship, and screening, as well as strategies, best practices, and opportunities in addressing health disparities among underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. APINCSN partnered with local cancer coalitions and organizations in Georgia, Massachusetts, and Oregon to produce the webinars. The series was a huge success, with over 270 people from across the country including the Pacific Island jurisdictions who registered to join the webinars.
Access to the recording of these webinars are available via the links below:
Moving Against Cancer Webinar Series
Happy Holidays from APINCSN and APIAHF!
From all of us at the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), happy holidays to you and your loved ones. We wish you an abundance of happiness, health, and hope during this holiday season and through out the new year. Thank you for being a part of APINCSN and helping us become a successful network! May the new year be as successful — and fun — as 2012!
Don't forget to like our Facebook page!
Become a member the APINCSN and join an action team if you are not yet a member!
(From L - R: Roxanna Bautista, Marietta Factora, Tau Ve'e, Pedro Arista, Trish Quema)
|
Printer-friendly version
Send to friend
