APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit

The 2023 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit brings together nonprofit and corporate leaders, subject matter experts, as well as local, state, and federal elected officials to discuss important issues that affect the Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) community and the nation at large. Past events focused on issues, policies, practices, and trends in the AA & NHPI community in an environment that facilitates solution-oriented dialogue and building public service pipelines in communities of color.

To register, purchase tickets at: https://www.apaics.org/legislative-leadership-summit

The NAAPIMHA team will be in attendance and Deputy Director Krystle Canare will be moderating the panel Breaking the Stigma: Addressing Mental Health in our Community on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11:00amET.

Session Description:

Despite facing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide than other ethnic groups, AA & NH/PIs are less likely to seek mental health services due to cultural stigma, language barriers, and lack of access.

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While 18% of the general U.S. population sought mental health services and resources, only 8.6% of Asian Americans did so. According the Office of Minority Health, suicide was the leading cause of death for Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders ages 15-24 and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders were three times less likely to receive mental health services or to receive prescription medications for mental health treatment as compared to non-Hispanic whites. The COVID-19 pandemic and anti-asian hate incidents created an even greater need for mental health for everyone, including AA & NH/PIs. In addition to the fear of stigma as well as a lack of culturally responsive care to support the growing need for mental health care in many minority and immigrant communities, the isolation from community and fear from anti-Asian racism and violence are factors in the increasing importance of individual and community mental health care. Organizations, governments from federal to local levels, and companies are working to meet these needs and will share their stories and expertise.