SACRAMENTO – May 11th , the California State Assembly approved Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 86, authored by Assemblymember Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park), to raise awareness about mental health and promoting mental wellness in the APIA communities. May 10th is Asian Pacific Islander American Mental Health Day.
“The APIA community is among the fastest growing and most diverse racial group in the nation and state, which is comprised of over forty-three ethnic subgroups that speak over one-hundred different dialects and languages,” said Assemblymember Ed Chau, “However, APIAs use mental health services at lower rates than other ethnic populations.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over 2.2 million APIAs had a diagnosable mental illness in 2014. Additionally, nearly one of two Asian Americans has difficulty accessing mental health treatment. This may be due to the substantial stigma that is associated with mental health, the lack of cultural and linguistic competency and resources made accessible to the APIA community.
“There is an extreme lack of research and knowledge regarding the needs and attitudes of APIAs on mental health and wellness issues; so, it is critical to raise awareness and continue to advocate for policies that focus on research and increase access to mental health services for the APIA community,” concluded Assemblymember Ed Chau.
ACR 86 passed with 69 co-authors.
Assemblymember Ed Chau represents the 49th Assembly District, comprised of the communities of Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City and portions of Montebello, and South El Monte.
