A&PI Wellness Center Applauds Inclusion of All Residents of California in Governor’s Health Care Plan; Urges Plan to Fully Address Needs for Culturally Competent and Linguistically Appropriate Care

Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center (A&PI Wellness Center) applauds Governor Schwarzenegger’s health care reform plan unveiled on January 8, 2007, and its inclusivity of all California residents, including undocumented immigrants.  Direct and unencumbered access to the health care system for all people in California is vital, as evidenced by the 23% of all Asians and Pacific Islanders (A&PIs) who are uninsured and the rising rates of HIV in A&PI communities. Equally vital is a health care system that is culturally competent and linguistically appropriate.

“As a health care advocate for communities of color, I find the Governor’s proposal to reform California healthcare coverage to be visionary and bold,” stated A&PI Wellness Center Public Policy Officer and Board Member Cecilia Chung.  “We know that there are still a lot of details that need to be determined, and we look forward to continued dialogue with the Governor and his representatives to positively transform the California healthcare system to be a model that is truly inclusive of all minorities.”

“We want to thank Governor Schwarzenegger, and also work to insure the plan takes into account the cultural and linguistic needs of our many diverse communities,” added Lance Toma, A&PI Wellness Center’s Executive Director.  “Only then will there be true reform in the health care system that makes it possible for everyone in California to have access to quality health care.”

A&PI Wellness Center’s mission is to educate, support, empower and advocate for A&PI communities, particularly A&PIs living with, or at risk for, HIV/AIDS. A&PI Wellness Center is the oldest and largest nonprofit in North America focusing on sexual health and HIV/AIDS in A&PI communities. With three sites in the San Francisco Bay Area and a staff fluent in 20 languages, A&PI Wellness Center delivers programs regionally, statewide, and nationally, and collaborates with community-based organizations throughout the Asia Pacific Region.

Contact:
Lance Toma, Executive Director
A&PI Wellness Center
Tel 415.292-3420 x355
TTY 415.292-3410
Fax 415.292-3404
lance@apiwellness.org

Read Bar Area Reporter, "Governor's health plan faces details and competition"