FEBRUARY 13, 2025 PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR. AS SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FEBRUARY 13, 2025 WASHINGTON —Today, the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the federal agency responsible for safeguarding public health and ensuring access to critical healthcare services. With a workforce of over 80,000, HHS oversees key agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHA), Administration for Children & Families (ACF), and Administration for Community Living (ACL). Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, issued the following statement: “As Secretary Kennedy takes on this critical role, we acknowledge his Senate hearing commitment to expand access to healthcare for vulnerable communities. We encourage him to bolster public trust in investing in our public health infrastructure, including vaccine education and access, Medicaid and Medicare, and tackling health disparities based on data-driven and evidence-based research. "We remain dedicated to working with Secretary Kennedy and the Administration to improve the health and well-being of all Americans and hard-working families and ensuring those most in need receive the care and support they deserve.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JULY 18, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF ALARMED BY DOJ GUIDANCE UNDERMINING LEP PROTECTIONS FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER 14224 JULY 18, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) expresses deep concern over the U.S. Department of Justice’s new guidance to federal agencies implementing Executive Order 14224, which revokes Executive Order 13166, a longstanding mandate requiring federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to ensure meaningful access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). For nearly 25 years, Executive Order 13166 has been a foundational safeguard for civil rights and language access in federal programs. Its revocation represents a major step backward for the more than 25 million individuals in the U.S. with limited English proficiency, disproportionately harming Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Latino, and immigrant communities who rely on equitable access to essential services. "The Department of Justice’s new guidance undermines decades of progress in making our government more accessible and accountable to all people, regardless of the language they speak," said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of APIAHF. "Language access is not a luxury—it is a civil right." Executive Order 13166, issued in 2000, built on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin. Courts and federal agencies have long recognized that failing to provide language assistance can constitute such discrimination. The DOJ’s new interpretation weakens this legal framework by reframing language access as discretionary rather than a core requirement for compliance. The new DOJ guidance will create confusion and uneven standards across agencies, leading to reduced access to health care, public safety, housing, and other essential services. "This is not a matter of bureaucracy—it’s about ensuring that a mother can understand how to access care for her child, that an elder can understand warnings during a natural disaster, that a worker can report abuse or fraud without facing a language barrier. The consequences of this rollback are real and dangerous," said Choi. APIAHF calls on Congress and federal agencies to restore and reaffirm strong, consistent protections for LEP individuals. The organization also urges local and state governments, as well as nonprofit service providers, to continue upholding robust language access standards in their programs and policies. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

FEBRUARY 24, 2026 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS FEBRUARY 24, 2026 WASHINGTON — Tonight, President Donald Trump shared the Administration’s actions and future plans in his State of the Union address. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “Tonight’s State of the Union comes at a pivotal moment as the nation’s trust in our public health infrastructure is under strain and millions of vulnerable Americans face rising healthcare costs and the real risk of losing coverage altogether. Policymakers must take immediate, bipartisan action to blunt the harmful impacts of H.R. 1 and prevent deep cuts to essential safety net programs that families rely on every day. “Across the country, many working families — especially immigrant families — are not feeling relief; they are experiencing deep and growing uncertainty and anxiety. Healthcare costs continue to climb out of reach, and immigration enforcement actions in previously protected locations such as hospitals, schools, childcare centers, and places of worship are further undermining community trust. “Even in the face of these challenges, communities are supporting one another through mutual aid and collective action. APIAHF will continue to demand accountability from elected leaders and encourage eligible voters and community leaders alike to stay informed, participate and make their voices heard at the ballot box.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

APRIL 10, 2025 PRESS RELEASE HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE SAVE ACT: A DIRECT THREAT TO AANHPI VOTER ACCESS APRIL 10, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) condemns today’s passage of the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) in the U.S. House of Representatives—if enacted into law—it would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly from Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Further, this will disproportionately harm voters who live in rural areas, especially in the Midwest and South; along with those with accessibility needs including elders. The legislation would require voters to present documentation—such as a birth certificate or passport—to register or update voter registration in person, which may result in people having to drive needless hours to vote. It would also eliminate online registration in 42 states, harm vote-by-mail initiatives, and make commonly accepted forms of ID, like REAL IDs, military IDs, or tribal IDs, insufficient to prove citizenship. Juliet K. Choi, president & CEO of APIAHF, issued the following statement: “The passage of the SAVE Act is a dangerous step backward for our democracy and brings us back to the time of a poll tax. Rather than safeguarding elections, this legislation erects new barriers to the ballot box—disproportionately harming communities like ours that already face systemic obstacles to voting. “AANHPI voters have long been impacted by discriminatory practices like voter purges of eligible voters due to minor discrepancies in name spellings. These bureaucratic errors have silenced thousands of our voices at the polls. This bill would worsen those barriers by undermining state-level solutions that are beginning to fix the problem. “AANHPI communities—especially naturalized citizens and first-generation voters—are also among the highest users of vote-by-mail and online registration systems. In 2020, over 60 percent of Asian American voters cast ballots by mail, and online registration has been a critical entry point for our communities to participate in civic life. “Let’s be clear: this is not about election security. This is about restricting access and silencing voices. We call on the Senate to reject this harmful and unnecessary legislation.” APIAHF remains committed to protecting the rights of all Americans—regardless of race, language, or immigration background—to access free and fair elections. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS THE PASSAGE OF THE FY2026 DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT FEBRUARY 5, 2026 WASHINGTON — The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) issued a statement in response to the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education, and Related Agencies spending bill, which became law this week as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF gave the following statement: “We applaud Congress for taking decisive, bipartisan action to fund critical health programs in the FY2026 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill – investments that are vital to the nation’s long-term health and wellbeing. “This bill sustains and, in some cases, increases much-needed funding for healthcare workforce training, biomedical research, new directives to address the mental health needs for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth. It also reaffirms a strong commitment to the Health Resources and Services Administration and its Health Centers Program—a cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare safety net that delivers essential primary and preventive care to millions of patients nationwide. APIAHF has consistently advocated for robust investments in these vital programs that directly serve our communities. “Beyond investments in public health infrastructure, congressional leaders bolstered language access services, including directing HHS to develop best practices for improving telehealth access for people with limited English proficiency. “The FY26 Appropriations Act reflects tireless advocacy—from national coalitions to state and local partners, and from constituents across the country—calling on Congress to legislate in ways that reflect the diverse needs of our communities. This action represents meaningful progress, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the 119th Congress to build on these gains.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

As a health justice non-profit organization, APIAHF is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of more than 20 million AAs and NHPIs living in the United States and its jurisdictions. We believe that all persons have the right to be healthy, the right to live in a thriving community, and the right to quality, affordable, and accessible health care. As a health justice non-profit organization, APIAHF is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of more than 25 million AAs and NHPIs living in the United States and its jurisdictions. We believe that all persons have the right to be healthy, the right to live in a thriving community, and the right to quality, affordable, and accessible health care. Learn more about OUR POLICY WORK PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Influencing and Shaping Policies that Impact AA and NHPI Communities APIAHF works with partners from local communities to influence local, state and federal-level public policy. Our presence and partnerships in Washington, DC allow us to shape federal policies that impact AA and NHPI communities across the nation by expanding access, improving quality and advancing health equity. Mobilizing Communities Across the Nation for Change APIAHF engages community leaders across the country, including community public health organizations and social justice advocates, on national and state issues to address health challenges in their backyard, rally against harmful policies, organize around healthy practices, and call on policymakers to improve the health of our communities. Strengthening Programs and Organizations APIAHF strengthens local and regional community organizations by providing them with the tools, skills, training, technical assistance, and organizational capacity building needed to empower them to be stronger advocates in their communities.

JUNE 29, 2023 PRESS RELEASE ANCHOR JOINT STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION JUNE 29, 2023 WASHINGTON —The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) on June 29, 2023 that affirmative action programs violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Today’s Supreme Court decision is a stark reminder of the challenges communities of color face, and highlights the need for continued advocacy to ensure educational opportunity and racial equity. Since its inception, affirmative action has empowered students of color to speak up and share their stories as they seek a brighter future through education and career opportunities. This, in turn, helps build inclusive and thriving communities of students and workers. Despite the outcome of today’s ruling, NCAPA remains committed to supporting affirmative action. “Affirmative action honors the diversity and cultural histories of the AANHPI community. Without it, we all stand to lose,” said Gregg Orton, National Director of NCAPA. “The Supreme Court’s decision to undo decades of progress comes at a time when communities of color are increasingly under attack. While we are disappointed in today’s ruling, we will continue fighting for a fair and equitable education for all students.” Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) said: “The Court has long held that affirmative action is vital to advancing diversity and ensuring our graduates are prepared for our multiracial workforce and society. This decision has implications not only for undergraduate admissions but also for graduate-level admissions, including medical and nursing school. Our communities’ health does best when medical professionals are more likely to understand our experiences. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders continue to be grossly underrepresented in the medical profession, and health equity is further compromised by this decision – particularly in the shadow of the impact of COVID-19 on NHPI communities, which had one of the highest per capita death rates in our nation.” Quyên Đinh, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) said: “We unequivocally condemn this decision, which ignores the systemic and racially disparate barriers to education access that have historically blocked pathways to upward economic mobility for communities of color, including Southeast Asian American communities. While the ruling is a setback to ensuring educational opportunity for all students, we are resolved to continue fighting for a future where every individual, regardless of their life circumstances, can thrive and succeed.” Estella Owoimaha-Church, Executive Director of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) said: “There is no alternative to affirmative action or race-conscious admissions for marginalized communities of color, including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities. This decision will exacerbate structural inequities that persist for Pasifika youth. We continue to move in solidarity alongside our partners to ensure all students have access to inclusive history, culturally responsive learning environments, and diverse books. Our stories matter and deserve to be heard. Each of us has a role to play in cultivating clear paths for emerging leaders so they might forge futures once denied to our elders and ancestors.” John C. Yang, President & Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian American Justice Center (Advancing Justice – AAJC) stated: “We are outraged that the Supreme Court has ignored nearly 50 years of legal precedent in favor of supporting racial inequity that harms Asian Americans and all people of color. But we are more committed than ever to ensuring equal opportunity for our children – and for all children in this country. We will not let this court decision keep us from pushing colleges and universities, Congress, and others to keep today’s ruling from undermining the progress made toward educating future multiracial, talented leaders who deserve every opportunity to reach their highest potential on campuses that reflect the diversity of America.” Vimala Phongsavanh, Board Chair of the Laotian American National Alliance (LANA) said: “LANA continues to support what affirmative action stands for: educational equity that enables aspiring students of color to achieve in higher education and in the pursuit of their careers. Lao American students are already three times more likely not to have earned their high school diplomas, when compared with white students; undoing any progress for the AANHPI communities and the communities with which we stand in solidarity only sets us all back further.” Julie Ajinkya, Chief Strategy Officer and SVP of Research and Applied Partnerships at Asian Pacific American Islanders Scholars (APIA Scholars) commented: “APIA Scholars is an organization that supports diversity, equity and inclusion and we decry the Supreme Court’s decision today to repeal affirmative action. Numerous studies on affirmative action bans have demonstrated that the result is an immediate and long-term decrease in diversity and representation and prevents equitable access to opportunities for students. As an organization that is founded on increasing diversity and access to educational opportunities, we support affirmative action, we defend diversity and we affirm inclusivity. We do not support policies that result in the opposite outcome or any rhetoric that undermines racial equity and justice. In our survey that went out to about 22,000 high school seniors, college students and recent grads, 80% of our respondents approve of affirmative action. We believe race is part of a person’s identity and should be one of the factors that should be considered in a holistic admissions evaluation so that more students can receive a fair chance.” Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIA Vote) responded: “Nearly 70 percent of Asian Americans support affirmative action, according to our 2022 Asian American Voter Survey. This decision is another unfortunate example of our Supreme Court ignoring long-held precedent, and goes against what the vast majority of our communities believe. It is disappointing Asian Americans have been used as a wedge in this debate, instead of bringing all Americans together to transparently discuss the merits of affirmative action.” David Inoue, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) stated: “The court’s dismantling of affirmative action has been done under the presumption that equal opportunity exists for all. We know this to be false both historically and in the present. The elimination of race consciousness in college admissions and employment decisions does nothing to promote equal opportunity. It will instead cover up the incredible diversity that makes this country stronger.” Seema Agnani, CEO of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) stated: “Affirmative action continues to be a vital pathway for low-income communities of color to access educational opportunities that have been historically denied to them by systemic barriers and discrimination. Increased educational opportunities lead to better outcomes for students, families, and communities, and affirmative action is thus an important strategy in the work to close the racial wealth gap. National CAPACD supports affirmative action and underscores the importance of inclusive academic spaces that reflect the diversity of this country.” Becky Belcore, Co-Director of the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) responded: “We condemn the Supreme Court decision as wrong and alarmingly destabilizing to democracy. Affirmative action policies recognize the historical and present-day exclusion faced by marginalized communities – including Asian Americans – and the impacts of such exclusion, and level the playing field so that every aspiring student has opportunities in education. In ruling race-conscious admissions as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court continues its recent pattern of weakening key civil rights policies.” Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates said: “The Supreme Court has chosen to ignore the reality of persistent racial discrimination and inequality in our country, and has undermined the efforts of educators and advocates to create more equitable and diverse learning environments. The ability to have a fair chance to pursue higher education in the United States is the embodiment of the American Dream. We will continue to support affirmative action policies that foster educational opportunity and access for all students, especially those from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.” Samira Khan, President of the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) commented: “SAPHA firmly believes that affirmative action is vital for addressing historical disparities, dismantling structural inequities and enabling marginalized students–including South Asian students–to thrive in academic settings by creating inclusive educational environments that reflect the diverse fabric of our society. The Supreme Court ruling undermines our collective efforts to create a more just and equitable society. While we are disappointed with this ruling, we remain steadfast in our efforts to advocate for inclusive and equitable policies.” Anisha Singh, Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition stated: “Inclusive education and representation for our communities isn’t just about what’s on the curriculum—it matters who is in the classroom to begin with. For decades, affirmative action has been an essential tool to ensuring that students from all communities have access to higher education. This ruling is a step backwards.” # # # Based in Washington, D.C., the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) coordinates and supports a coalition of forty-six national Asian Pacific American organizations that represent the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and to provide a national voice for our communities’ concerns. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

MAY 3, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS HHS ACTIONS TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS MAY 3, 2024 WASHINGTON —Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), finalized a Rule under the Administrative Procedure Act that will expand health coverage for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients by opening up Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace plans. This Rule will benefit an estimated 100,000 Dreamers. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) and former Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, gave the following statement: “After a historic Marketplace enrollment period, with over 21 million individuals selecting Affordable Care Act health insurance, we are thrilled by HHS’s bold action to expand access to the Marketplace to more Americans. In addition to access to affordable health coverage, Dreamers will also be able to utilize federal subsidies for these plans. “For far too long, DACA recipients, approximately 10 percent of whom are Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, have been denied access to many health care options provided by the Affordable Care Act despite living and residing in the United States. Today’s announcement continues the Biden Administration’s commitment that health care is a right, not a privilege.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JUNE 13, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF CONDEMNS TRUMP-ERA DISCLOSURE OF MEDICAID DATA TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT JUNE 13, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) urges immediate action to reverse the Trump administration’s recent disclosure of sensitive Medicaid data—including immigration status—to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, confirming internal emails and memos obtained by the Associated Press . According to these documents, two senior advisers to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hand over names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical claims for Medicaid enrollees in California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, DC—despite CMS officials warning this move may violate the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, and longstanding policy. “Health care access is a fundamental human right,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Disclosing Medicaid data to immigration authorities breaches that right, instills fear, and threatens public health. No one should be forced to choose between medical care and safety.” APIAHF stands firmly against this chilling violation of patient confidentiality and public trust. By weaponizing health‑care data for immigration enforcement, these actions risk deterring immigrant families, including many in our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, from seeking essential care. As the nation’s leading health equity advocate for AA & NHPI communities, APIAHF will continue to champion policies that ensure health care is safe, accessible, and free from surveillance. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

PROJECT ASSOCIATE PHOEBE SAWYER PROJECT ASSOCIATE OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Phoebe Sawyer is a Project Associate for the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. She recently graduated from San Francisco State University and served on the board of the Marketing Association while maintaining a Dean’s List placement. Sawyer is a Bay Area native with a drive and passion to achieve health equity in her community. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 PRESS RELEASE CMS CALL TO ACTION RESULTS IN HALF A MILLION CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS REENROLLED IN HEALTH CARE COVERAGE SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 WASHINGTON —Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services announced that half a million children and other individuals regained coverage to CHIP and Medicaid as a result of its August call to action letter sent to all states and U.S. territories. The letter required immediate action from state Medicaid directors to address the affected families and safeguard them from improper disenrollments. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement: “The immediate action by CMS has resulted in necessary and life-saving health coverage reinstated for some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. “Today shows that CMS must continue to take bold, decisive steps to mitigate the devastating impacts of Medicaid Unwinding, especially as millions of additional families face the disenrollment cliff. We urge the Biden administration to protect access to affordable health care for all families, including additional accessible resources and outreach to vulnerable communities.” # # # 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 BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JUNE 10, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF DEEPLY CONCERNED BY HHS SECRETARY’S DECISION TO REMOVE ALL ACIP MEMBERS JUNE 10, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) expresses serious concern over the recent decision by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to announce plans to remove all current members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a longstanding body of medical and public health experts that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on immunization guidelines. This move threatens to undermine decades of scientific progress, community trust, and evidence-based public health policymaking. “ACIP plays a vital role in protecting public health, particularly for historically underserved communities, including Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Removing this independent advisory body erodes trust in science and could dangerously politicize vaccine policy.” The ACIP has been instrumental in providing transparent, peer-reviewed recommendations that have guided life-saving immunization strategies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disbanding its current membership could stall vaccination programs, exacerbate existing health disparities, and lead to increased preventable disease among vulnerable populations. AANHPI communities already face significant barriers to health care access and suffer disproportionate impacts from infectious disease outbreaks. Decisions that dismiss scientific expertise and public health safeguards only further marginalize these groups. APIAHF calls on all leaders to commit to preserving independent, evidence-based public health institutions. We urge policymakers and the public to remain vigilant in defending the integrity of bodies like ACIP and to prioritize the health and well-being of all communities. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES