Our Call to Action for AAPI Representation

Dear Friends and Partners,

Over the past 7 months Dr. Anthony Fauci has become a household name. We’ve heard him briefing the nation numerous times, alongside other members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. We’ve also learned that Dr. Fauci is one of the directors of the 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH serves as the steward of medical and behavioral research for the Nation.

Their budget of $40 billion a year enables researchers and health experts to seek knowledge and apply their findings to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability of our nation.

So, here’s a question for you: What percentage of the NIH funding do you think has gone to health research for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population?

.17% in 26 years COMBINED

If you’re wondering if that’s a typo, it’s not. It’s a problem. In 26 years combined, the NIH has invested less than half a percent of its funding to research and application of its findings in AAPI communities (read the full report, click here). This means that AAPIs are the least represented group in health research in the United States today. Underrepresentation has resulted in the lack of culturally sensitive health treatments and modalities, which should take into consideration our genetics and unique environmental influences. AAPIs have long contributed to the colorful and rich fabric of our country for two centuries. Yet, we are constantly finding in sobering fashion – especially during the past 7 months – how quickly and easily AAPIs are overlooked. As the fastest growing racial minority in the country, one that contributes to our society in very meaningful ways, pays roughly $200 billion in annual taxes, and holds a spending power of $450 billion every year, AAPIs deserve better representation.

Our Solution and Call to Action

Watch a short 3 minutes video on our project.

Enroll Here

So, here’s what NAPCA is doing to address this problem. We’ve partnered with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) (visit the project website) and Dr. Van Ta Park to support their pioneering initiative to develop the very first research registry for AAPIs in the state of California. This registry (available in other languages including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese) will ensure we are represented and have a voice in the health research being conducted in America. We need you to be part of the solution. It only takes 5-10 minutes to enroll in the registry, and doing so does not enroll you into a study. It’s free, confidential, and you can withdraw at any time. Enrollment assistance is also available through our multilingual Helpline.

Together, we can fill the gap, address the health inequities impacting our communities, and work to ensure Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) live healthy lives and thrive.

Yours sincerely,

Joon Bang
President and CEO
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA)