The PAN Foundation celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander community in the United States. 

Established in 1978 as a heritage week and then expanded to a monthlong celebration in 1992, May was chosen to acknowledge the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in May 1843 and recognize the contribution of Chinese workers in the competition of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869.

This month, we’re highlighting health resources for this diverse community that make up 6.1% of the U.S. population according to 2021 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is the oldest and largest health advocacy organization working with Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities in the US and US territories. APIAHF provides advocacy and educational resources to improve the health of these communities. 

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations 

The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) serves as a national voice to advocate for the unique and diverse health needs of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities and the community health providers that serve their needs. 

National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association 

The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) promotes the mental health and well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.  

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging 

The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging’s mission is preserve and promote the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and diverse communities as they age. They have educational programs on preventing Medicare fraud, Medicare Part D enrollment, and chronic disease self-management.  

Papa Ola Lōkahi 

Papa Ola Lōkahi is a non-profit consortium of Native Hawaiian organizations and public institutions working to improve the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians and other Native peoples. 

South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network 

The goal of the South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network (SAMHN) is to overcome stigma associated with mental illness and improve the mental health of the South Asian community through educational programs. 

South Asian Public Health Association 

The South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) promotes the health and well-being of South Asian communities in the US through advocacy, collaboration, and communication. 

US Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Minority Health: Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 

The Office of Minority Health works to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and programs designed to help eliminate health disparities.