SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. KAMANA'OPONO M. CRABBE TO THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMISSION ON ASIAN AMERICANS, NATIVE HAWAIIANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 WASHINGTON —APIAHF Counselor Dr. Kamana‘opono M. Crabbe was sworn in as a Commissioner on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. The Commission, co-chaired by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, advises the President on ways the public, private and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. “We are thrilled that President Biden has appointed Dr. Kamana‘opono M. Crabbe to serve on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. “A life-long advocate for health equity for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities and a revered elder, Dr. Crabbe will bring a wealth of expertise and insight to the Commission.” Dr. Crabbe is a seasoned spokesperson and representative for the Native Hawaiian community on Native Hawaiian rights, social inequities, community health and resilience, and cultural, educational, economic, and political issues affecting Native Hawaiians, Hawai‘i and the Pacific. For over 30 years, he has focused his personal, academic, and professional career toward improving Native Hawaiian health and well-being. He has received several formal awards recognizing his executive leadership and accomplishments, such as the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education Leadership Award, The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Native Hawaiian Advocate Award, and the Hawai‘i Psychological Association’s Patrick H. DeLeon, Ph.D. Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a board member for several organizations including aio Foundation, `Aha Kane Foundation for the Advancement of Native Hawaiian Males, and Ekolu Mea Nui nonprofit. APIAHF congratulates all the new Commissioners who were sworn in including the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Executive Director Krystal Ka’ai; APIAHF’s Community Partner ACDC founder and president Vida Lin; and Sameera Fazili. The official White House announcement can be found 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

JUNE 30, 2023 PRESS RELEASE SUPREME COURT CONTINUES TO ERODE RIGHTS AND THE HEALTH OF ALL AMERICANS JUNE 30, 2023 WASHINGTON —Today marks the final day of the 2022-23 U.S. Supreme Court term. Our nation ends the term with dire impacts due to the politicization of our Court, which continues to roll back longstanding laws impacting our health and civil rights. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, issued the following statement: “Over the last two years, the Court has undermined our liberties, including affirmative action, the right to an abortion and ensuring the LGBTQ+ community is treated with dignity and respect. The Court’s decision today in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis, under the guise of free speech, denies same-sex couples equal access to public businesses based solely on sexual orientation. This argument continues to harm the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, including an estimated 325,000 AANHPI individuals, by opening the door for discrimination and asserting a second-class citizen status of a protected class. ”What is clear is that courts matter. Voters have the power to elect leaders – including the President and Senators – who directly shape our courts. We must continue to hold our elected leaders accountable, and this can only be done by ensuring that we all civically engage in the electoral process.” In addition to the Court’s decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis, APIAHF raised concerns on two recent decisions. Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard – decided June 29, 2023 “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, said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. “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.” Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – decided June 24, 2022 “We have already seen the chilling effect of the Dobbs decision on vulnerable communities. The erosion of reproductive rights disproportionately affects AANHPI women, immigrant women, women of color, and other underserved populations who already face significant barriers to accessing comprehensive and affordable health care,” said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. “Abortion care is an integral part of health care and reproductive justice must be protected for all individuals, irrespective of their background, circumstances or the states that they reside in. As we observe this sorrowful day, APIAHF recommits to protecting and restoring reproductive rights, ensuring that every person has the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. We call upon our leaders, at all levels of government, to take a stand and safeguard the rights and well-being of all individuals, upholding the principles of justice, equity, and personal autonomy.” # # # BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

MANAGER, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NHIEN LE MANAGER, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Nhien Le is a Community Engagement Manager at APIAHF. A graduate of Missouri State University, Nhien has over eight years of experience working with communities. A former recruiter at City Year in Dallas, Nhien focused on building partnerships with key stakeholders to implement up to 80 full-year AmeriCorps members to serve communities in Dallas. As chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander affinity group at City Year, he was a frequent speaker on AA NH/PI issues, including serving as a panelist focused on the Mental Health and the AAPI Community as part of the Nonprofit Success Institute Speaker Series, organized by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Earlier in his career, Nhien served as a Library Associate where he managed educational and cultural programming for the City of Dallas public libraries. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

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

APRIL 7, 2025 PRESS RELEASE LEADING AANHPI HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS STATEMENT ON HHS REORGANIZATION APRIL 7, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL), and National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP) raised concerns about the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its potential consequences for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. “The reorganization of HHS must be undertaken with a firm commitment to addressing the health challenges and disparities that AANHPI communities continue to face,” said Juliet K. Choi, president & CEO of APIAHF. “We are concerned that the changes to HHS’s structure could inadvertently dilute resources that are essential to ensuring culturally and linguistically competent care for our communities. We urge HHS to ensure that the reorganization does not weaken efforts to tackle evidence-based persistent health disparities and access to services in local communities, and to progress our shared goal of helping all Americans.” AANHPI populations have long faced systemic barriers to healthcare access, including a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate services, and significant disparities in chronic disease prevalence, the utilization of mental health services, and tobacco cessation. We are particularly alarmed by the dismantling of HHS regional offices, many of which work directly with AANHPI communities. These offices serve as critical points of engagement, providing essential services, outreach, and resources that support positive health outcomes in historically underserved communities. Their elimination could further isolate AANHPI populations from necessary healthcare services and mask the immediate needs from communities that are struggling. “We urge HHS to provide transparency and meaningful engagement with community stakeholders as it moves forward with this reorganization,” added Rod Lew, Executive Director of APPEA L. “The voices of AANHPI communities must be at the table to ensure their health needs are not overlooked. We remain committed to working with federal partners to ensure the health of our communities remains a central focus of all policy and organizational decisions.” “Our physicians are providing care to AANHPI patients in many settings, including community clinics, academic centers, small practices and public health settings,” remarked Winston Wong, MD, chair & CEO of NCAPIP . “These dramatic reductions to the HHS workforce directly impact the quality and availability of services to AANHPI patients and communities that rely on our physicians to meet their special cultural and linguistic needs.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. # # # Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL) is a national organization working towards social justice and a tobacco-free Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community. # # # NCAPIP was established 15 years ago to support physicians to meet the needs of their AANHPI communities. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JANUARY 16, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER JANUARY 16, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Albert Shen to its Board of Directors. “We are honored to welcome Albert Shen to our Board,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Albert’s distinguished career spanning civic engagement, public service, and the private sector brings a wealth of expertise and a multifaceted perspective that aligns with our vision and mission to advance health equity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.” “Albert’s deep commitment to our community and his diverse professional experiences will be invaluable as we work to improve the health and well-being of AANHPI communities across the nation,” said Neal Shah, Board Chair of APIAHF. “We look forward to leveraging his leadership and insights to strengthen our initiatives.” Albert Shen currently serves as a Senior Federal Client Partner at Verizon, where he leads digital transformation strategies for federal government and public sector clients. Prior to Verizon, Shen held senior advisory positions at Toyota North America, focusing on sustainability and innovation. During the Obama Administration, he served as Deputy National Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, where he championed initiatives to empower minority-owned businesses. A recognized leader in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, Shen has served on several nonprofit boards, including as Board Chair of the Asian American Action Fund (AAAFund) PAC. His dedication to public service and community advocacy continues to make a meaningful impact nationwide. # # # 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 4, 2025 PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF DR. MEHMET OZ AS ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES APRIL 4, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency responsible for providing health coverage to more than 160 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. As the nation’s largest health care payer, CMS plays a critical role in shaping the future of health care by advancing quality, equity, and access. As of 2020, approximately 4.5 million AANHPI individuals were enrolled in Medicaid, covering over one million AANHPI children and 1.6 million of these enrollments through the Medicaid expansion pathway. Nearly 2.3 million AANHPIs are enrolled in Medicare. This population grew by approximately 11 percent from 2017 to 2019, the highest percentage increase compared to other racial groups. Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, issued the following statement: “As Administrator Oz assumes leadership of CMS, we look forward to seeing him fulfill his Senate hearing commitment to protecting and strengthening health care for all Americans, especially the most vulnerable. We urge him to safeguard Medicaid and Medicare from harmful cuts and to advance policies rooted in data-driven, evidence-based research that reduce health disparities. “APIAHF remains committed to working with Administrator Oz and the Administration to ensure that every community—regardless of background—has access to high-quality, affordable health care.” # # # 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

AUGUST 4, 2026 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AUGUST 4, 2026 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacob Aki and Mary Joy Garcia-Dia to its Board of Directors. “We are honored to welcome Jacob Aki and Mary Joy Garcia-Dia to our Board,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Jacob and Mary Joy each bring exceptional leadership, deep ties to the communities we serve, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. As we celebrate APIAHF’s 40-year legacy this year, their expertise across public affairs, healthcare informatics, and health equity will be invaluable as we build toward the next 40 years.” “Jacob and Mary Joy embody the leadership, vision, and passion needed to help guide APIAHF through this critical moment,” said Dr. Sheri Boyle, Board Chair of APIAHF. “Their diverse experiences and longstanding dedication to service will strengthen our work and help ensure that the voices and needs of AANHPI communities remain at the forefront of health policy and advocacy.” Jacob Aki serves as Senior Public Affairs Manager at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, where he leads government relations and community engagement efforts across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Prior to joining Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, he spent nearly a decade in public service in the Hawai‘i State Legislature, including as Director of Communications for the Hawai‘i State Senate and as a senior legislative advisor. A proud Native Hawaiian leader, Aki has dedicated his career to advancing policies and initiatives that expand opportunities and improve outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, DNP, RN, FAAN, FHIMSS, is a nationally recognized leader in nursing informatics, digital health innovation, and health equity. She serves as Program Director for Nursing Informatics at NewYork-Presbyterian, leading enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives that enhance patient care and healthcare delivery. Dr. Garcia-Dia has held numerous national leadership positions, including service on the National Advisory Council on Research for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health and as President of the Philippine Nurses Association of America. As APIAHF commemorates its 40th anniversary, the organization remains committed to advancing health equity and improving the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities nationwide. The addition of Aki and Garcia-Dia to the Board of Directors further strengthens APIAHF’s leadership as it continues to champion policies and programs that ensure all communities have the opportunity to thrive. # # # 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

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

JULY 7, 2023 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION’S PLAN TO CRACK DOWN ON SURPRISE JUNK FEES IN MEDICAL SERVICES JULY 7, 2023 WASHINGTON —Today, President Biden announced a series of new actions to lower health care costs and eliminate loopholes for surprise junk fees in medical billing for American families. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of APIAHF, issued the following statement: “We applaud the Biden-Harris administration for taking additional steps to protect American families from predatory billing. Medical debt is a serious issue for all communities and disproportionately harms communities of color. Language about Medical billing and accessing insurance can be particularly confusing for immigrant communities – and is more challenging for those that are limited English proficient. According to the U.S. Census, nearly 10 percent of Asian American households carry medical debt. “The Biden-Harris administration has continued to deliver critical relief to Americans, especially in communities that face disparate health outcomes. We are cautiously optimistic that future policies will uplift hard-working immigrant families and marginalized communities facing unnecessary challenges in accessing care and rising health care costs.” # # # 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

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