APLA Health Commemorates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Today, APLA Health celebrates Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the United States and calls for more concrete steps to end discrimination against AAPIs. 

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are integral to the cultural history of Los Angeles County and the nation as a whole. We are all enriched by the contributions and successes of countless activists, business owners, artists, elected officials, and leaders in creating our dynamic country. APLA Health is proud to support LGBTQ+ AAPIs with culturally competent medical care in supportive spaces free from fear or stigma,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “However, we must continue to shine a light on the systemic barriers and discrimination that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continue to face in America, which has increased substantially in the past year.” 

How you can support AAPI communities: 

• Contact your California Assembly member and ask them to support AB 557, which would require the California Department of Justice to create a statewide system for reporting hate crimes. 
• Ask your elected officials to expand civil rights protections for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and other systemically ignored groups.
• Work with your organization, school, or community group to denounce and remove anti-Asian and anti-Pacific Islander racism.
• Support local Asian-owned and Pacific Islander-owned businesses.