The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Name	The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Formation	1986
Location	San Francisco, California
Region served	United States
Key people	Kathy Ko Chin, Sefa Aina

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum is a national health organization that aims to promote health and well-being for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The organization works closely with National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations to address health disparities and promote health equity. Founded in 1986, the organization has been a leading voice in advocating for the health needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, working with partners such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The organization's work is guided by the principles of social justice, cultural competence, and community-based participatory research, as exemplified by the work of David Satcher, Joycelyn Elders, and Margaret Hamburg.

Introduction

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum is a nonprofit organization that serves as a leading voice for Asian American and Pacific Islander health issues. The organization's work is informed by the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, including the Chinatown community in San Francisco, the Koreatown community in Los Angeles, and the Little Saigon community in Orange County. The organization works with partners such as American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and American Diabetes Association to address health disparities and promote health equity. The organization's leadership, including Kathy Ko Chin and Sefa Aina, has been recognized for their contributions to public health, including awards from National Association of County Health Officials, American Public Health Association, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

History

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum was founded in 1986 by a group of Asian American and Pacific Islander health professionals, including Helen Zia, Diane Wong, and Haunani-Kay Trask. The organization's early work focused on addressing the health needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, including the Hmong community in Minnesota, the Samoan community in Hawaii, and the Tongan community in Utah. The organization has since grown to become a national leader in Asian American and Pacific Islander health, working with partners such as National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Office of Minority Health, and Health Resources and Services Administration. The organization's history is closely tied to the history of Asian American and Pacific Islander activism, including the work of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.

Mission_and_Objectives

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum's mission is to promote health and well-being for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The organization's objectives include addressing health disparities, promoting health equity, and increasing access to health care for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The organization works to achieve these objectives through a range of activities, including policy analysis, community-based research, and technical assistance, in partnership with organizations such as Kaiser Family Foundation, Commonwealth Fund, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The organization's work is guided by the principles of social justice, cultural competence, and community-based participatory research, as exemplified by the work of David R. Williams, Camara Phyllis Jones, and Mary Bassett.

Programs_and_Initiatives

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum offers a range of programs and initiatives to promote health and well-being for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. These programs include the National Asian American and Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Health Disparities Initiative, and the Pacific Islander Health Initiative, which work in partnership with organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Psychological Association, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The organization also offers technical assistance and training to community-based organizations and health care providers, including Asian Health Services, Korean Community Services, and Filipino American Service Group. The organization's programs and initiatives are designed to address the unique health needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, including the Hmong community, the Samoan community, and the Tongan community.

Policy_and_Advocacy

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum is a leading advocate for Asian American and Pacific Islander health issues. The organization works to influence health policy and legislation at the local, state, and federal levels, in partnership with organizations such as American Public Health Association, National Association of County Health Officials, and Families USA. The organization's policy and advocacy work focuses on issues such as health care access, health disparities, and cultural competence, as exemplified by the work of Debbie Stabenow, Barbara Lee, and Judy Chu. The organization also works to educate policymakers and health care providers about the unique health needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, including the Chinatown community, the Koreatown community, and the Little Saigon community.

Community_Engagement

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum is committed to community engagement and community-based participatory research. The organization works closely with community-based organizations and community leaders to identify and address the health needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The organization's community engagement work includes health education, health promotion, and health advocacy, in partnership with organizations such as Asian Americans Advancing Justice, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. The organization also works to build community capacity and community empowerment, as exemplified by the work of Angela Glover Blackwell, Makani Themba-Nixon, and Rinku Sen. The organization's community engagement work is guided by the principles of social justice, cultural competence, and community-based participatory research, as exemplified by the work of David Satcher, Joycelyn Elders, and Margaret Hamburg.

Category:Health organizations