According to the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau, Asian Americans (AAs) are currently the fastest growing population in comparison to any other racial category in the nation. Furthermore, Georgia is one of the top five states with the most growth nationally. Despite the rapid growth of Asian immigrants throughout the United States, there is a lack of health data about AAs. The Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS) realized the importance of improving AA data collection and dissemination in Georgia to both state and local partners. Due to the lack of existing data, CPACS developed innovative strategies to collect and analyze data on Asian Americans in Georgia. For example, CPACS collects health disparities data through community surveys and interviews. CPACS uses advanced data collection and data analysis software such as electronic health records, Efforts to Outcomes software, Client Intake Forms, and other similar data collection software to effectively track our client data.
Additionally, CPACS developed the Georgia Asian Pacific Islander Community Coalition (GAAPICC), led by community organizations and individuals. This coalition aims to improve the overall well-being of all Asian American and Pacific Islander and to improve the data collection of Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community. CPACS has also partnered with many government agencies such as local and national-level organizations to collect and analyze health data around AAs, realizing the need to not only collect and analyze data but to also disseminate findings to organizations, stakeholders, and the general public. Therefore, CPACS develop and disseminate white
papers to highlight important and relevant information that address specific issues in the community.
One example of CPACS collaborative efforts with government entities, coalitions, and the community was when CPACS conducted the first community assessment of AAs with developmental disabilities and their families in Georgia. CPACS collaborated with GAAPICC and The Georgia’s Council of Developmental Disabilities to conduct this community assessment. Major goals of the community assessment included: (1) identify needs and barriers that prevent access to services; (2) identify needs and barriers of service providers; (3) increase awareness of Asian American disability needs in both the AA community and organizations serving the community; and (4) facilitate communityled
solutions. The findings emphasized the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate programs based on ethnic diversity for AAs with developmental disabilities and their caregivers, as well as the importance of cooperation among community members, caregivers, policy makers, and service providers. CPACS documented, published, and disseminated the assessment findings through white papers.
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