Big Happenings in Tucson

In early February, a group of community members from the Tucson area began meeting around health issues affecting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. I’m happy to say that I attended that inaugural meeting and have remained involved. Now named the Southern Arizona API Health Coalition, the group is using a classic health improvement model (assessment – intervention – evaluation) to examine and address health issues and concerns among southern Arizona API residents. To date, three subcommittees have been formed to address health services, elder care and cultural competency. The group has no funding at the moment but brings lots of energy and passion and is looking to leverage local resources through the University of Arizona and the Pima County Health Department. On behalf of APCA, I have offered our technical assistance and consultation. I will continue to report on the progress of this impressive effort.

-Doug Hirano, MPH, APCA Executive Director