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

JULY 30, 2025 PRESS RELEASE 60 YEARS LATER, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID CUTS THREATEN HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITIES JULY 30, 2025 WASHINGTON —On the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is warning that recent cuts in the GOP tax and spending bill will devastate health care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and other vulnerable populations across the country. For six decades, these programs have formed the backbone of the American health care system, covering 134 million Americans and sustaining hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics nationwide. They are especially vital for AANHPIs: nearly one in four AANHPI children are insured through Medicaid, and millions of immigrant and low-income seniors rely on Medicare as their sole source of coverage. The $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) represent the largest rollback of health care in U.S. history. These cuts threaten to strip coverage from over 15 million people, drive up costs for millions more, and jeopardize the survival of safety-net providers that serve immigrant and underserved communities. Community health centers that offer culturally and linguistically appropriate services to AANHPIs are particularly at risk, raising the prospect of entire neighborhoods losing their only source of affordable care. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of APIAHF issued the following: “Medicare and Medicaid have been lifelines for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander families for generations. For many in our communities, especially immigrant seniors and children with limited English proficiency, these programs are the difference between receiving care and going without. By gutting them, Congress and the President are dismantling the very safety net that keeps families healthy and hospitals open, all to benefit billionaires and large corporations. These cuts will deepen existing health disparities and put culturally competent care even further out of reach. “As costs rise and access shrinks, many immigrant families — particularly those in mixed-status households — will delay or forgo treatment entirely. This will exacerbate health inequities and reverse decades of progress in improving access for underserved communities. Medicare and Medicaid have ensured that generations of Americans, including millions of AANHPIs and other vulnerable groups, could access life-saving services. After 60 years of progress, these cuts threaten to drag the nation backward, placing politics and profits ahead of people’s health.” # # # 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

MAY 10, 2025 PRESS RELEASE RECOGNIZING AANHPI MENTAL HEALTH DAY, APIAHF CALLS FOR CHANGE & ENDORSES BICAMERAL MENTAL HEALTH BILLS MAY 10, 2025 WASHINGTON –Today, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day, which falls during both AANHPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. APIAHF endorsed the bicameral reintroductions of the Stop Mental Health Stigma In Our Communities Act of 2025 and the 2025 AANHPI Mental Health Day Resolution, led by Senator Mazie Hirono (HI) and Representative Judy Chu (CA-28). The Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act would instruct SAMHSA to: Establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community by partnering with advocacy and behavioral health organizations that have an established record of serving AANHPI communities; and Conduct research and collect disaggregated data on the state of behavioral health among AANHPI youth and on the shortage of AANHPIs in the behavioral health workforce. The National AANHPI Mental Health Day resolution recognizes the importance of mental health to the wellbeing of AANHPI families and communities and acknowledges the importance of raising awareness around mental health care. It also encourages health agencies to adopt policies to improve utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, released the following statement: “Stigma and persistent barriers have kept AANHPIs from the mental health care they deserve—leading to some of the lowest utilization rates nationwide. It’s time for change. We know that better health outcomes are attainable, but we must take legislative action to invest in a mental health care workforce and infrastructure that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. The bicameral introductions of the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act and the AANHPI Mental Health Day Resolution mark vital steps toward closing the unacceptable disparities in mental health care and chronic disease treatment experienced in our communities.” See Rep. Judy Chu’s press release HERE . # # # 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

DECEMBER 18, 2023 PRESS RELEASE STATES MUST TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE MEDICAID COVERAGE DECEMBER 18, 2023 WASHINGTON —Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services released an instructional bulletin to all states and U.S. territories requiring them to ensure Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligible individuals retain their coverage during the state’s Medicaid Unwinding period. CMS released additional data that nine states, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Arkansas, South Dakota, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Montana, account for 60 percent of the decline in children’s Medicaid and CHIP enrollment from March through September 2023. In September, CMS required all states to pause disenrollment and reinstate coverage for certain disenrolled individuals under Medicaid Unwinding. The action resulted in a half-million children and their families regaining Medicaid and CHIP Coverage. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “Medicaid and CHIP cover more than half of all children in the United States. We applaud CMS for ensuring children have reliable access to necessary health care as we head into winter when influenza and other illnesses need medical attention. “However, thousands of families and their children continue to face disenrollment, and it is unconscionable that this occurs due to a state’s systems and operational issues. These states must take immediate action to ensure children are protected. Today’s action by CMS reinforces the Biden administration’s policy of ensuring quality care for all families, and states must take action to ensure the well-being of our nation’s children.” # # # 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

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER EPHRAIM COLBERT DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Ephraim is the digital media production manager for APIAHF’s Capacity for Health project. In his role, he leads the development for Ending of the HIV Epidemic video, podcast, and social media series. Ephraim uses communications and productions skills to share and amplify the voices of the voiceless. Before APIAHF Ephraim was a freelance producer working in video, radio, and podcast in the Bay Area. Ephraim has been Technical Director of live event for KPFA Radio 94.1fm and produced YouTube shows. “My community has rightfully had a history of mistrust of the healthcare system. I’d like to contribute to the rebuilding of that trust and improve the health concerns facing the African American community.” -Ephraim Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

AUGUST 16, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF LANDMARK LAW TO LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS AUGUST 16, 2024 WASHINGTON —One year ago today, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. The groundbreaking law strengthened Affordable Care Act protections, lowered health care costs, extended Marketplace affordability, and improved access to affordable prescription drugs for millions of Americans on Medicare. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “APIAHF celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. The law has resulted in real, life-saving results for Americans, including extended premium tax credits for Marketplace plans through 2025 for nearly one million Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific, making comprehensive health insurance more affordable and available. “As we emerge from the public health emergency, many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific elders are more at risk than ever. The Inflation Reduction Act has helped our community access affordable and essential health coverage and prescriptions under Medicare. From a $35 monthly capped insulin cost to recommended adult vaccinations at no cost, the law resulted in real savings for elders.” # # # 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