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  • APIAHF STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP'S DAY ONE EXECUTIVE ORDERS

    JANUARY 21, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP'S DAY ONE EXECUTIVE ORDERS JANUARY 21, 2025 WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. On his first day in office, he issued a series of executive orders affecting critical issues, including health care, birthright citizenship, immigration, reproductive access, diversity and equity, and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, among others – some contravening long-standing issues of law. Juliet K. Choi, president & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum gave the following statement: “We are deeply disturbed by the sweeping actions President Trump has taken on his first day in office to eliminate and erode the constitutional rights of Americans. Despite distancing and disavowing some of the policies outlined in Project 2025 during his 2024 campaign, President Trump has swiftly moved to implement many of them through these executive orders. “This is not the direction that the American people voted for, and we have grave concerns about the immediate and lasting harm that these actions will inflict on families and communities across the country. The Asian & Pacific Islander Health Forum stands firm in our commitment to protecting and defending the rights of our community and health access for all.” # # # 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

  • STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR. AS SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

    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.” # # # 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

  • APIAHF WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER

    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. # # # BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • LENAYA KIMBALL

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR LENAYA KIMBALL PROGRAM COORDINATOR OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Lenaya a program coordinator for Capacity for Health (C4H), the national capacity building program of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. She currently coordinates and leads the onboarding process for the National Learning Community for HIV Leadership. She brings a unique lens to her team, with diverse background experiences in biotech, hospital administration, nonprofits and self-employment. Prior to coming to APIAHF, Lenaya has explored many avenues to marry her need for creative expression and her calling to heal. She has run both a food business and a doula practice. Trained in health supportive cooking, herbal medicine making and certified as a birth and postpartum doula; Lenaya believes in a holistic approach to wellness on the personal, community and environmental level. “Along my journey, I have come to realize that everything is connected, we cannot address the environment, the economy, public health, etc. without inclusivity. It is at the intersection in the full richness of life, that we gain perspective to address our collective needs.” -Lenaya Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

  • UPDATES | APIAHF

    APIAHF - Resources UPDATES — PRESS RELEASES DIGITAL STORIES RESOURCES REPORT 2025 Pulse Survey: Supplement to the National Survey of Community-Based Organizations AUGUST 22, 2025 GO NOW 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 GO NOW PRESS RELEASE APIAHF Alarmed by DOJ Guidance Undermining LEP Protections Following Executive Order 14224 JULY 18, 2025 GO NOW PRESS RELEASE APIAHF Condemns Enactment of H.R. 1 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” Slashing Medicaid and Eliminating Health Coverage for Millions JULY 4, 2025 GO NOW PRESS RELEASE APIAHF Applauds Supreme Court Decision Preserving No-Cost Preventive Services, Raises Concern Over HHS Administrative Control of Task Force JUNE 27, 2025 GO NOW LATEST NEWS —

  • APIAHF APPLAUDS HHS ACTIONS TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS

    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.” ### 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

  • OUR WORK | APIAHF

    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.

  • EPHRAIM COLBERT

    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

  • GET INVOLVED: BLC | APIAHF

    Your membership to APIAHF’s Business Leadership Circle is a high-impact and visible way to visibly demonstrate your commitment to improving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) health. APIAHF will help your company to engage with the fastest growing demographic in the United States. APIAHF is looking to build strategic partnerships with businesses and corporations that share our vision of investing in healthy and vibrant communities. BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE — Your membership to APIAHF’s Business Leadership Circle is a high-impact and visible way to visibly demonstrate your commitment to improving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) health. APIAHF will help your company to engage with the fastest growing demographic in the United States. APIAHF is looking to build strategic partnerships with businesses and corporations that share our vision of investing in healthy and vibrant communities. We will work with you to co-create strategies that highlight your company’s commitment to improving AA and NHPI health equity through any combination of the following: EVENT SPONSORSHIP – PROGRAMMATIC INVESTMENTS – PROJECT DONATIONS – GRANTS AND AWARDS PROGRAMS – RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS BENEFITS OF BLC MEMBERSHIP Being a part of APIAHF Business Leadership Circle has numerous benefits that include, but are not limited to: Tailored analysis of ways that your company can engage with AA and NHPI populations throughout the country Opportunities to demonstrate your company’s leadership and commitment to diversity and health equity through our events and outreach to our national network Engage in networking and programmatic opportunities with top public health, philanthropic, and community leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington, DC, and other program areas across the country. Regular updates and insights on emergent issues that affect health equity and policies for diverse communities GET INVOLVED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE — TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE CONTACT development@apiahf.org

  • APIAHF ALARMED BY DOJ GUIDANCE UNDERMINING LEP PROTECTIONS FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER 14224

    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

  • SENATOR HIRONO ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION FOR HEALTH EQUITY

    OCTOBER 8, 2020 PRESS RELEASE SENATOR HIRONO ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION FOR HEALTH EQUITY OCTOBER 8, 2020 HEAA will eliminate health disparities in the U.S. health care system WASHINGTON — Today, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum congratulate Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (HI) for announcing the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). This bill is a roadmap for eliminating health and health care disparities by building on previous successful strategies, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “For almost a decade, APIAHF has supported HEAA as a comprehensive blueprint to increase health equity for everyone,” said Juliet K. Choi, executive vice president of APIAHF. “We congratulate Sen. Hirono for leading the Senate with HEAA to ensure that everyone has access to quality health care. Affordable, accessible health care is increasingly important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, which disproportionately affects communities of color.” Achieving health equity requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the varying and layered factor affecting health access and health outcomes — immigration status, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, language and socio-economic status. HEAA is a comprehensive plan to tackle these factors in every part of the U.S. health care system, including making health insurance coverage more affordable, promoting investments in innovative health delivery methods and technologies, and advancing research and data collection about the health needs and outcomes of diverse communities. Individual sections of HEAA have already gone into effect, including reimbursement for language services under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), enhanced data collection requirements in federal health surveys and elevation of the Office of Minority Health to the Office of the Secretary of HHS in the ACA. The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2020 by Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-4) with support from the Congressional Tri-Caucus and 230 local, state and national organizations including APIAHF. # # # 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

  • APIAHF RELEASES NEW PULSE SURVEY REVEALING DEEPENING CRISIS AMONG AANHPI COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

    AUGUST 22, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF RELEASES NEW PULSE SURVEY REVEALING DEEPENING CRISIS AMONG AANHPI COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AUGUST 22, 2025 WASHINGTON –The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) today released a groundbreaking Pulse Survey capturing the real-time impact of recent federal actions on community-based organizations (CBOs) serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Conducted between May and June 2025, the survey offers a sobering snapshot of how political shifts and funding cuts are straining frontline nonprofits across the country. Among the key findings: Three out of four organizations reported widespread fear, anxiety, and low morale. More than one-third have already lost federal funding. Nearly 30% changed their public messaging in response to national policy shifts. 90% anticipate increased demand for services even as resources dwindle. The Pulse Survey supplements APIAHF’s annual National Survey of Community-Based Organizations survey, offering an urgent update amid a dramatically changing federal environment. “The Pulse Survey makes clear what many of us already feared—our AANHPI-serving organizations are being asked to do more with less, while the ground shifts beneath them,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Many of these CBOs are the only culturally and linguistically responsive providers in their communities. If we lose them, we lose the infrastructure that makes health access and civil rights real for our people.” More than 90 organizations across the U.S. participated in the survey, reflecting a broad cross-section of community health, advocacy, and social service providers. The results highlight not only operational impacts like program cuts and staff layoffs, but also growing fears around discrimination, deportation, and access to basic needs among AANHPI populations. APIAHF is calling on federal agencies, elected officials, philanthropic partners, and the broader civil society to intervene before irreversible harm is done to the community-based organizations that have long been a lifeline for vulnerable communities. The Pulse Survey can be viewed 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

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