U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii and Representative Judy Chu from California have introduced a resolution declaring May 10 as Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. This initiative aims to enhance awareness of mental health issues and improve access to mental healthcare for AANHPI communities.
The resolution highlights the significance of mental health for the well-being of AANHPI families and communities. It calls on health agencies to implement policies that increase the use of mental health services among AANHPI individuals and other marginalized groups. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 65.3% of AANHPIs with mental health conditions do not receive the treatment they need. Additionally, data shows that suicide is the leading cause of death for AANHPIs aged 10 to 24, with Hawaii’s suicide rate surpassing the national average. Native Hawaiians experience suicide rates nearly double that of the national average.
Hirono stated, “Too many members of our communities face economic, cultural, and language barriers that prevent them from accessing vital mental health care. This legislation aims to dismantle those barriers and ensures that all individuals receive culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services.”
The proposed legislation, known as the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, would task the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with creating a national outreach and education strategy focused on mental health and substance misuse within the AANHPI community. This strategy would involve collaboration with organizations experienced in serving AANHPI populations and aim to gather data on behavioral health trends among AANHPI youth. Furthermore, it seeks to address the shortage of AANHPI professionals in the behavioral health workforce.
Representative Chu emphasized that the AANHPI community has the lowest rates of seeking mental health services among all racial and ethnic groups. This reluctance is attributed to language barriers, stigma surrounding mental health issues, and a lack of culturally competent care. She stated, “As the only psychologist in Congress, I understand the importance of eliminating these barriers to ensure every individual has access to the mental health care they require.”
The resolution and accompanying legislation have garnered support from a variety of AANHPI and mental health organizations. Pata Suyemoto, the executive director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, remarked, “This bill is essential for reducing stigma in AANHPI communities. Stigma prevents individuals from seeking the mental health services they need. This legislation aims to improve mental health outcomes through culturally relevant services and increased research on AANHPI communities.”
The introduction of this legislation coincides with AANHPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of mental health advocacy within these communities. By promoting awareness and access to mental health care, Hirono and Chu aim to foster a healthier future for AANHPI individuals.
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