May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month where we celebrate Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
In 2020, the Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association (APAMSA) and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion highlighted the accomplishments and contributions of University of Iowa Alumni and Carver College of Medicine Faculty and Students.
Information about CCOM Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association (APAMSA)
More information can be found here:
APAMSA organization information
Article: Understanding the AAPI community and breaking stigmas
Health Disparities
It is important to note that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are impacted by health disparities, which include barriers to healthcare. These challenges include navigating the heath care system and accessing linguistically and culturally appropriate services. AAPIs are at increased risk of developing the following conditions: Hepatitis B, Heart disease, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Obesity, Liver cancer, and Stomach cancer. AAPIs also have lower rates of mental health service utilization compared to other ethnic populations in the United States. For more information about AAPI health disparities please refer to the resources below.
Resources
More information about:
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
University of Iowa AAPI Heritage Month Events
AAPI Health:
- US Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Minority Health Resources
- CDC Health of Asian or Pacific Islander Population
- CDC Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey
- Mental Health Resources
- COVID-19 Resources
Iowa specific AAPI information/Resources