FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Media Contact: Yvonne Lee |
APIAHF'S RESPONSE TO THE THIRD PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
San Francisco, CA - During the third Presidential debate in Tempe, Arizona last night, the candidates expressed their plans to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. However, there was no substantial discussion on the quality of healthcare, and no mention of the well-being of people of color in this country. The Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) believes these issues deserve more attention both now and during the next administration.
Both parties addressed issues of racial and ethnic health disparities in their party platforms ratified at their respective conventions this summer. The Democratic platform contained several positions that APIAHF has recommended, such as: 1) eliminating health disparities based on race and ethnicity by addressing the language and cultural barriers and increased research and training; 2) lowering prescription drug costs to increase benefits for seniors; and 3) expanding health care coverage for children and strengthening the Medicaid program to assist working families.
The Republican National Convention also adopted a policy platform to address racial and ethnic disparities in health. The RNC supports “improved training for health providers, including efforts to improve communication, collaboration, and understanding between patients and doctors.” The APIAHF strongly supports this goal.
Neither party addressed restoration of health benefits to legal immigrant families who lost their right to services as a result of the passage of welfare reform in 1996. Legal immigrant families pay taxes and contribute to American society. Yet they are barred from such services as job training and English language classes. APIAHF calls for an end to these unfair restrictions.
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum was one of 17 national Asian Pacific American organizations which developed a national policy platform Call ForAction for adoption by the Democratic and Republican parties. We strongly urge both political parties to work with the Asian Pacific American community in addressing the health care needs of all Asian Pacific Americans.
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum is a national health policy andadvocacy organization headquartered in San Francisco with an office in Washington.
