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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health services Administration (SAMHSA) - Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) sponsored an Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Summit July 10-12, 1999 in Washington, D.C. The need for a national voice to address the unique mental health issues of AAPI communities was raised once again. A Strategic Planning Committee was formed and in July 2000, the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), became a reality.
NAAPIMHA will focus on five distinct but interrelated areas. The effectiveness of each builds on the success of the other. The underlying assumption is that a national organization should advocate on behalf of each of the following areas and that cultural competency will be reflected at all levels.
- Enhance collection of appropriate and accurate data
- Identify current best practices and service models
- Increase capacity building which includes providing technical assistance and training of service providers, both professional and para-professional
- Conduct research and evaluation
- Work to engage consumers and families
AAPIs continue to be the fastest growing ethnic population in the country yet lack adequate resources to address their diverse needs. In addition, misperceptions persist about the mental health and well being of AAPIs in the United States. Many view them as a homogenous population with few if any problems. There are numerous challenges to the field including the lack of accurate data, research and evaluation. In addition, there is a serious shortage of trained, bilingual personnel who can provide culturally competent services. There is also a need to identify, design and implement successful intervention strategies, particularly in geographical areas with limited AAPI resources. The issue of stigma and shame in the community must also be addressed with greater involvement from consumers and families.
NAAPIHMA's mandate, then, is to advocate on behalf of AAPI mental health issues, to serve as a forum for effective collaboration and to network among stake holders of community based organizations, consumers, family members, service providers, program developers, researchers, evaluators and policy makers. Moreover, NAAPIMHA will endeavor to work with direct service providers, such as nonprofit community-based organizations, to augment this effort. Such a collaborative effort will only increase the likelihood of developing comprehensive, culturally competent services to meet the needs of AAPI communities. In addition, NNAPIMHA will work in collaboration with other national organizations designed to address related AAPI issues such as health and substance abuse so as not to duplicate efforts.
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