CAPAC Recognizes National Minority Health Month
Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements recognizing April as National Minority Health Month:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“National Minority Health Month is a time for all Americans to raise awareness about health disparities impacting minority communities. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders account for over half of all chronic Hepatitis B cases, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than the general public. The Affordable Care Act includes provisions that will help the AAPI community, including more accurate and disaggregated data collection, culturally and linguistically appropriate health care, and measures to address diseases that disproportionately impact our community. As CAPAC Chair, I will continue working with my colleagues to build upon the success of the ACA and improve health outcomes for all communities.”
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair:
“I join my colleagues on the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and all Americans in recognizing April as National Minority Health Month. Health disparities among minorities continue to be a challenge for our communities, especially among Pacific Islanders who are disproportionately affected by diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Hepatitis B. While we have made important progress to addressing health disparities among minorities, especially in the Affordable Care Act, much work remains to provide preventive care and culturally competent and appropriate outreach and education. CAPAC continues to bring greater attention to the unique challenges affecting AAPIs, and we will work to find ways to reduce health disparities among all minorities.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“National Minority Health Month, which we recognize in April, reminds us of the challenges we face when we look to provide quality health care for all Americans. As the Representative of one of the country’s most ethnically diverse districts, CA-17, I understand the impact that health disparities have on our many communities.
“For example, Viral Hepatitis disproportionately affects minority communities. Hepatitis C is twice as prevalent among African Americans as among Caucasians. Asian Americans comprise more than half of the known Hepatitis B population in the United States, and consequently maintain the highest rate of liver cancer among all ethnic groups. Additionally, African American and Hispanic patients are less likely to be tested for HCV in the presence of a known risk factor, less likely to be referred to treatment for subspecialty care and treatment, and less likely to receive antiviral treatment. As a founding member, and co-chair, of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, I have fought for increased attention and funding for Viral Hepatitis testing, education, and screening. This month is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of, and bring attention to, the disparities of Viral Hepatitis and other conditions that burden our communities.”
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07), CAPAC Healthcare Taskforce Co-Chair:
“As a doctor and the co-chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific Americans Caucus Healthcare Taskforce, I’m committed to making sure everyone has access to high quality health care. Nearly four million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with private insurance now have access to expanded preventive services with no cost sharing, but there is still much work to do. National Minority Health Month is a reminder that health disparities still exist among racial and ethnic minorities and we must continue to work to eliminate them. Among the steps we can take to bridge the gap are ensuring we have well-trained health interpreters, requiring ethnic diversity in clinical trials, and investing in and promoting preventive health care for everyone. I’m working with my colleagues in CAPAC to make all of those goals a reality.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), CAPAC Healthcare Taskforce Co-Chair:
“National Minority Health Month is an important reminder that, while we’ve made tremendous healthcare strides as a country, persistent health disparities have kept communities of color from fully benefitting from improved health outcomes. The Affordable Care Act is expanding health care coverage to millions, but there is much more work to be done to adequately address ethnic and racial health disparities. To end health disparities, we must address the lack of access to quality, affordable health care and ensure that health care is both linguistically and culturally appropriate. As the co-chair of CAPAC’s health care taskforce, I’m proud to work with my colleagues in CAPAC to tackle these important issues and improve the quality of life for all Americans.”
Background:
According to the Office of Minority Health, Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are twice as likely to be diagnosed with liver and stomach cancer. AAPIs comprise nearly half of the 1 million people with chronic Hepatitis B. The HBV-related death rate among AAPIs is seven times greater than the rate among Whites. More information about health disparities affecting the AAPI community is available on the Office of Minority Health website.
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.