Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

 Health recognizes Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by highlighting the achievements and contributions of this community, paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders. They have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success.

In Their Own Words

Some of our employees talk about their ways of celebrating this month.

What direction would you say Asian American and Pacific Islander history is moving in?
Congress elected May as Asian American and Pacific Islander recognition month in 1978 to commemorate the first Japanese immigration in May of 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railway in May of 1869. As one of the fastest-growing populations in the US, Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders have expanded to include many diverse cultures and countries, each making a significant impact across many different sectors.

What can we learn from the successes of previous generations of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders?
My parents immigrated to the US in the 1970s when the US-sponsored nurses from the Philippines. They made great sacrifices leaving all they knew and loved, including my older siblings, to start a new life. They believed whole-heartedly that the US was a land of golden opportunity and that their children would have better futures in America. The values they passed along were strong faith, humility, hospitality, respect and kindness toward all people, love of family, hard work, sacrifice, gratitude, and joy in life's abundant blessings.

How do you show appreciation during Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month? How can others show their appreciation?
A simple way to show appreciation is with a warm smile (eyes smile even when masks are on) and a wish for a Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Month.

Is there a current or historical role model that you look to in the Asian American & Pacific Islander community? What impact have they had on your life?
My dad is my biggest role model. He was a practicing physician in the Philippines. He came to America as my mom's dependent and worked as a Nurse Tech until he was cleared to start his internship. He was humble, kind, and loving. He cared about everyone and treated all with kindness. I remember he brought Filipino treats to the nurses he worked with, who all loved him.

What direction would you say Asian American and Pacific Islander history is moving in?
Many Americans can trace their ancestry crossing an ocean to our country. Asian American and Pacific Islander history is a tribute to the generations who have enriched and strengthened our nation. I appreciate the inclusion of South Asian heritage and how AAPI celebrates the contribution of all these cultures to the American way of life.   

What can we learn from the successes of previous generations of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders?
Honoring their heritage with language, religion, and customs adds to the diversity and richness of our nation. 

How do you show appreciation during Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month? How can others show their appreciation?
Screening for type 2 Diabetes and CAD. South Asians are at increased risk for early onset of severe cardiovascular disease and diabetes. People of South Asian descent have a higher death rate from heart disease than other Asian ethnicities. 

Is there a current or historical role model that you look to in the Asian American & Pacific Islander community? What impact have they had on your life?
Some of the role models who delivered historical and cultural contributions to the US that I admired were Kalpana Chawla (Astronaut) and Jhumpa Lahiri.

Archives

Read more about the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders in our community throughout the years.

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2022