CAPAC Chair Commends New HHS Language Access Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an updated Department-wide Language Access Plan to strengthen access to the programs and services that it provides for people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and people with disabilities. The plan also addresses the language access goals and requirements set by President Biden in various Executive Orders, including Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and Executive Order 14031, Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.  Over 25 million individuals in the United States, including one-third of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) people here, are LEP.

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) issued the following statement:

“I commend Secretary Becerra and the entire Department of Health and Human Services for releasing its revamped Language Access Plan, which aims to reduce health disparities and strengthen access to health care. CAPAC has long advocated for increased language access across the entire federal government to ensure all of our agencies can meaningfully serve and meet the needs of the American people, including the many AANHPIs with Limited English Proficiency. By providing critical guidance for all HHS divisions to address language barriers and calling for disaggregated data collection on the language services they offer, HHS is heeding our call.  I appreciate the continued commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to advance equity and inclusivity for LEP communities, people with disabilities, and all communities across the country.”