AAPI Mental Health Forum

Yesterday, more than 60 individuals attended a mental health forum sponsored by APCA and Magellan of Arizona. Speakers included Dr. James Campbell, Dr. Young Lee, and Ms. Yen Nguyen, APCA Special Projects Coordinator – each of whom provided a perspective on mental health issues among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Mr. Jeff Boldizsar, Deputy CEO of Magellan, provided an overview of Magellan’s services and opportunities for community members to get involved in improving access for AAPIs. Mr. Boldizsar shared data indicating that while AAPIs constitute 3% of the population in Maricopa County, they account for only 1% of enrolled Magellan clients.

Speakers noted that reasons for the under-utilization of mental services among AAPIs include the stigma surrounding mental illness, language barriers, lack of knowledge about mental health, differing cultural perspectives on mental health, and lack of knowledge about the availability of mental health services.

Participant suggestions included increasing the number of AAPI mental health providers, addressing policies that inhibit the provision of services to AAPIs, and conducting mental health educational campaigns.

A follow up meeting will be held for those interested in working further on mental health issues among local AAPIs. For further information, contact Ms. Yen Nguyen, APCA Special Projects Coordinator, at yen@apcaaz.org or (480) 626-3065.

- Doug Hirano, MPH, APCA Executive Director

Community Forum on Mental Health – August 28, 2010

We’re still finalizing the details, but I thought it wise to announce an upcoming community forum on mental health being co-sponsored by APCA and Magellan of Arizona. This event will be held from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, August 28th. The location will be Phoenix Baptist Hospital, 2000 W. Bethany Home Road (South Building of the Wellness Center). The event targets both professionals and community members and will address mental health issues in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities here in Maricopa County. While the speaker panel is still being developed, confirmed speakers include Dr. James Campbell and Dr. Young Lee. Results of community listening sessions coordinated by APCA and Magellan of Arizona will be presented. Lunch will be provided at no cost. For more information, contact Ms. Yen Nguyen, APCA Special Projects Coordinator, at (480) 626-3065 or yen@apcaaz.org.

- Doug Hirano, MPH, APCA Executive Director