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- APIAHF APPLAUDS THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION’S PLAN TO CRACK DOWN ON SURPRISE JUNK FEES IN MEDICAL SERVICES
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
- RUOYU (AMY) WANG
SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE RUOYU (AMY) WANG SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Ruoyu (Amy) Wang is the Senior Accounting Associate at the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. In her role, she processes accounts payables, performs monthly general ledger reconciliations andassists with various projects such as the preparation of annual audit schedules and manages online donations received. ; Additionally, Amy provides direct assistance to the Accounting Manager. Prior to joining APIAHF, Amy gained work experience from various industries. Amy holds a Master’s in Accounting from California State University, Fullerton. She enjoys traveling and seeking great dining experiences. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF
- ANCHOR JOINT STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
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
- APIAHF CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF LANDMARK LAW TO LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS
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.” # # # 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
- Development Director
REMOTE BACK TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES Development Director REMOTE Please visit DRiWaterstone for our listing: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/development-director-apiahf/ BACK TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES
- BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES FIRST 10 DRUGS FOR MEDICARE NEGOTIATION
AUGUST 29, 2023 PRESS RELEASE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES FIRST 10 DRUGS FOR MEDICARE NEGOTIATION AUGUST 29, 2023 WASHINGTON —Today, the Biden administration announced the first round of high-cost prescription drugs for which Medicare will negotiate lower prices as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. “We applaud the Biden administration for taking decisive action to expand benefits and lower drug costs for all Americans,” said Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). “We encourage drug manufacturers to work with the Biden administration to make these lifesaving and life-changing products available to recipients of Medicare at a reduced cost. For example, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for diabetes, and our communities have already seen the positive impact of insulin costs capped at $35 monthly under the Inflation Reduction Act. The first ten drugs will provide immediate financial relief to millions of hard-working families.” The first 10 drugs are: Eliquis: For prevention and treatment of blood clots Enbrel: For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis Entresto: For treatment heart failure Farxiga: For treatment of treat diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease Imbruvica: For treatment of blood cancers Fiasp/Novolog: For treatment of diabetes Januvia: For treatment of diabetes Jardiance: For treatment of diabetes and heart failure Stelara: For treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Xarelto: For prevention and treatment of blood clots and reduction of risk for patients with coronary or peripheral artery disease To learn more about the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, view the ASPE factsheet and CMS factsheet. # # # 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
- LEADING AANHPI HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS STATEMENT ON HHS REORGANIZATION
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.” # # # 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. # # # 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
- JAMILA SHIPP
C4H MANAGING DIRECTOR JAMILA SHIPP C4H MANAGING DIRECTOR OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Jamila Shipp is the managing director for Capacity for Health, a program of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. An Oakland native and nationally respected leader in public health, community advocacy and capacity-building, Shipp brings a heart for social justice, nearly two decades of experience, and a track-record of innovation in an always changing HIV sector. Jamila has extensive experience in program development, implementation, research, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS prevention programs. She specializes in underserved populations, particularly sex workers, homeless, and substance users. She has served as the chair of the California HIV planning group. Jamila holds a Masters of Public Health from San Francisco State University, and a B.S. in Health Care Management from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF
- 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
- LEADING CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS DENOUNCE PROPOSED HISTORIC MEDICAID BUDGET CUTS AND ANALYZE THE IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES OF COLOR
MARCH 13, 2025 PRESS RELEASE LEADING CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS DENOUNCE PROPOSED HISTORIC MEDICAID BUDGET CUTS AND ANALYZE THE IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES OF COLOR MARCH 13, 2025 WASHINGTON —Today, 11 of the nation's leading civil rights and health equity organizations held a joint press briefing to release a report analyzing the Medicaid cuts passed recently by the U.S. House of Representatives. The House-passed Budget Resolution framework would make the largest Medicaid cuts in American history , placing at risk the health and financial security of more than 70 million children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families . While people of all backgrounds would be in danger, the report finds that communities of color would suffer especially widespread harm: nearly 42 million people, or approximately a third of all people of color in the U.S., rely on Medicaid for health care and would be placed in harm’s way if the House’s cuts become law. The group underscored the importance and urgency of this issue as members of Congress from both chambers consider the House-passed bill to develop a binding blueprint for budget reconciliation legislation that could pass with support from the majority party alone. Click here to watch and replay the press briefing. The House Budget Resolution would cut at least $880 billion from Medicaid over the next 10 years to help finance $4.5 trillion in tax breaks = primarily benefiting the extremely wealthy and large corporations. The report documents how communities of color are especially at risk, with Medicaid covering half of all children of color and more than a fourth of adults of color aged 65 and older. Medicaid currently furnishes health care and protection from unaffordable medical bills to: 20.3 million Latinos , including half of all Hispanic children and nearly 3 in 10 Hispanic adults aged 65 and older. 13.3 million African Americans , including almost 60% of all Black children and more than a third of older African American adults. 4.5 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders , including over a quarter of children and adults aged 65 and older. 700,000 Native Americans , including 60% of all Native children and 2 in 5 older adults. In addition, the report also finds that another 17 million Medicaid beneficiaries are part of the labor force and lack a college degree — a group that leaders from both political parties claim to support. Nearly 60% of these workers — 10.2 million people — are people of color , including 5 million Latinos, 3 million African Americans, 900,000 Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and nearly 200,000 Native Americans. The report highlights that people who are uninsured rather than covered by Medicaid often experience great harm as: 1) uninsured people are far more likely to go without essential care due to cost; 2) by foregoing essential care, many people who are uninsured rather than covered by Medicaid experience severe and often permanent damage to their health; 3) without health insurance, families’ health care costs skyrocket; and 4) childhood insurance gaps have profound, lifelong effects that damage children’s future health and limit their later achievement of economic self-sufficiency. Speakers at today’s news conference noted that, in last year’s election, candidates from both parties promised to lower the cost of everyday necessities, like health care, food and housing. They charged that proposals to cut Medicaid would break these promises, since millions of Americans would face unaffordable medical bills without any health insurance protection. Today’s report referenced public opinion polls showing that Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike oppose Medicaid cuts and have a favorable opinion of the program. For many people, this issue is personal: for almost 2 in 5 Americans , including 38% of people who voted for President Trump, Medicaid covers them or someone in their immediate family. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY-6), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) stated, "4.5 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders rely on Medicaid for affordable, quality healthcare, but President Trump and House Republicans have put forth a budget that would cut Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. This would result in millions of Americans losing their healthcare, hospital closures, doctor shortages, and higher insurance costs. Additionally, health disparities would only worsen as individuals and families are forced to decide between putting food on the table or paying for lifesaving healthcare. We will not let this stand. CAPAC is fighting back against attempts to cut this vital lifeline." Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL-2), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust stated, “House Republicans promised to lower those costs. They lied. Their proposed budget would cut $880 billion from Medicaid, putting over 300,000 people in the Second District at risk of losing healthcare. They want to take away people's healthcare to give a $4.5 trillion tax break to their wealthy friends, like Elon Musk. Republicans control the White House, the Senate, the House, and the Courts. With all this power, they decide to give more money to the wealthy and step on the American people who are already trying to make ends meet. It's unacceptable.” “Slashing Medicaid isn’t just a policy choice—it’s a direct attack on the health and well-being of millions of Americans, especially people of color who already face systemic barriers to care. These cuts would rip away essential coverage, forcing families to forgo doctor visits, life-saving medications, and critical treatments,” said Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-9), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) “Gutting Medicaid would only deepen inequality and push the most vulnerable further to the margins. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the care they need to survive.” Juliet K. Choi , president and CEO, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum stated, “Across the country, hard-working families are already struggling to afford basic necessities, and any cuts to Medicaid would have devastating and long-lasting consequences—putting the health and security of millions, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities, at risk. We do not need more tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. We need urgent action to strengthen Medicaid and ensure that our nation’s most vulnerable—including more than 1 million Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander children—do not lose access to life-saving care. This is not just about policy; it’s about people’s lives. The rights and dignity of so many Americans are on the line, and Congress must have the courage and commitment to do the right thing.” President and CEO of UnidosUS , Janet Murguía stated, “Medicaid is more than a healthcare program — At a time when Americans are struggling with rising costs, the House leadership is choosing to make life even harder. What we are seeing is a direct attack on working families, forcing them into impossible choices—skip healthcare, go into debt, or struggle to afford rent and food. Medicaid is a fundamental pillar of economic security for 70 million Americans, including more than 20 million Latinos. These cuts would not only hurt individuals but also drain communities and states of essential resources, putting public health and local economies at risk. Voters did not ask for this, and the vast majority of Americans—across party lines—oppose these cuts. UnidosUS calls on Congress to reject this dangerous proposal and protect Medicaid for the millions of families who rely on it." Derrick Johnson , NAACP ’s president and CEO, stated, “They say a budget reflects values. The proposed government funding plans make it clear that Donald Trump and his followers in Congress do not value the health of Americans. As the nation’s leading civil rights organization, we know that regressive policies disproportionately impact our community, but the effects are reverberating throughout all vulnerable communities across this nation. We’re not just talking about the 13 million Black Americans who stand to lose their care, we are talking about propelling most of this nation into deeper debt, and worsening health outcomes. The NAACP proudly stands with our partners in making this year’s Medicaid report findings public. We hope that, when equipped with the facts, Americans will band together in fighting for our collective futures.” Marc Morial , president, National Urban League (NUL) stated, “Medicaid provides healthcare to almost half children in the United States. It allows elderly parents and grandparents and people with disabilities to remain in their homes and communities, easing the burden on their loved ones. It covers the costs of life-saving medications for chronic diseases. Ripping away this lifeline for millions of working families, simply to divert ever more of our precious resources to billionaires, will further deepen the already-severe health inequities for people of color and other marginalized communities. It is a shocking betrayal of our nation's values, and the National Urban League and our allies will not stand for it." Maya Wiley , president and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights , stated, “People need to be able to see a doctor when they’re sick. Medicaid is health insurance and many people who receive it are workers in stores, on farms, and in small businesses that don't provide insurance. Whether you are a white man working for a logging company or a Black woman serving people food or someone living with a disability you deserve health insurance. People of color are more often in low paying jobs with no insurance and have higher rates of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Lifesaving lab tests and medications are on the chopping block. Do our leaders care that Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die to be mothers or one in six Native Americans suffer from diabetes? No one voted to be forced to choose between paying rent or getting a doctor's care or a prescription. People voted for help and not to be harmed so we call on our leaders to invest in solutions rather than slashing life expectancies.” Shavon Arline-Bradley , president and CEO, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) stated, “It is deeply concerning that the U.S. would consider cutting Medicaid. There is no humanity behind these budget cuts. Not having a safety net for health care for the least of us says that you do not understand the needs of the American people and are clearly out of touch. We join steadfastly with our partners to let members of Congress know we support the findings that will be shared in the Medicaid report being released and encourage them to read it to make a responsible budget decision.” Deborah Weinstein , executive director, Coalition on Human Needs , stated, “The drastic cuts proposed in the House budget hurt those who can least afford it, and when combined with harsh additional cuts in SNAP nutrition aid, strike a vicious and needless blow at the health and well-being of tens of millions of people, many of whom are our children, threatening their future and the nation’s. Half or more of Medicaid enrollees who are children or workers without college degrees are people of color. Most appalling: the budget denies this essential help to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.” Brad Woodhouse , president, Protect Our Care , stated, “Every single one of the 72 million people relying on Medicaid is at risk of losing lifesaving health care. These are our neighbors and loved ones. No matter who you are, where you live, or who you voted for, if Trump and Republicans in Congress gut Medicaid, the results will devastate communities everywhere. Not only will health care costs for everyone increase, hospitals will close, nursing home patients will be kicked to the curb, and health inequities will surge, beginning with our nation’s children. Those don’t sound like ‘family values’ to me. Trump has put the health and well-being of every American in serious jeopardy all to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. It’s a disgrace.” Anthony Wright , executive director, Families USA , stated, "Cutting away at the health care lifeline from low-income families living paycheck to paycheck is cruel and counterproductive to the affordability that Americans voted for. These health care cuts will impact all of us and the health care system we all depend on, regardless of our race or ethnicity, who we voted for, or even whether we have Medicaid coverage. Cuts of hundreds of billions of dollars will harm the hospitals and clinics and health services in all our communities — especially those that that are rural, red, and/or swing constituencies.” Mara Youdelman , Managing Director of Federal Advocacy, National Health Law Program , stated, “Medicaid is a lifeline, providing millions of individuals and families with essential health care. Cutting its funding would worsen inequities and push more people into crisis. At the National Health Law Program, we believe health outcomes should not be determined by race, income, language, disability, or other identity. We call on all members of Congress to reject these harmful Medicaid cuts and work toward a just, inclusive health care system.” “The Medicaid program is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the country,” said Margaret Huang , president and CEO, of the Southern Poverty Law Center . “The anticipated cuts to Medicaid will be devastating to low-income families, seniors needing care, people with disabilities and people of color who already struggle to afford essential health care. The cuts will deepen the current health care crisis in the states of the Deep South - many of which have refused Medicaid expansion and will now struggle to fill the gap. It is unconscionable that Congress would abandon the most vulnerable communities in favor of prioritizing tax cuts to billionaires and corporations.” The following groups jointly released today’s report: The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights NAACP The National Council of Negro Women The National Urban League The Southern Poverty Law Center UnidosUS The Coalition on Human Needs Families USA The National Health Law Program Protect Our Care ### About 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. About UnidosUS UnidosUS is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that serves as the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Since 1968, we have challenged the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos through our unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of over 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico. We believe in an America where economic, political, and social progress is a reality for all Latinos, and we collaborate across communities to achieve it. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and Threads. About SPLC The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. SPLC works tirelessly—through litigation, advocacy, and public education- to expand opportunity, eliminate poverty, and combat racial economic inequality in America. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org/ About The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. Through advocacy and outreach to targeted constituencies, The Leadership Conference works toward the goal of a more open and just society — an America as good as its ideals. About Protect Our Care Protect Our Care is dedicated to making high-quality, affordable and equitable health care a right, and not a privilege, for everyone in America. We educate the public, influence policy, support health care champions and hold politicians accountable. All of us at Protect Our Care believe strongly that health care is a human right and everyone should be able to get the health care they need regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, income or where they live. For more information on Protect Our Care, visit www.protectourcare.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Bluesky. About NAACP The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity. Visit naacp.org for more information. About the National Health Law Program The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and improves access to health care for low-income and underserved people and works to advance health equity. We believe that everyone should have access to high quality, equitable health care and be able to achieve their own highest attainable standard of health. We enforce health care and civil rights laws; advocate for better federal and state laws and policies; train, support and partner with national, state and local health and civil rights advocates; and use strategic communications to achieve these goals. About NCNW National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of over 380 campus and community-based sections and 38 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families and communities. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW. Today, NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns that are now “NCNW Priorities.” Our organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access, and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice. About the Coalition on Human Needs The Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) is an alliance of national organizations working together to promote public policies which address the needs of low-income and other vulnerable populations. The Coalition’s members include civil rights, religious, labor, and professional organizations, service providers and those concerned with the well-being of children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. For more information, go to www.chn.org About Families USA Families USA, a leading national voice for health care consumers, is dedicated to the achievement of high quality, affordable health care and improved health for all. About National Urban League The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality, and social justice. Our mission is to uplift those in underserved communities by empowering communities through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life. With 92 affiliates across 36 states and the District of Columbia, the Urban League works to improve the lives of nearly four million people annually. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- 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
- SUPREME COURT CONTINUES TO ERODE RIGHTS AND THE HEALTH OF ALL AMERICANS
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