AAPI Heritage Month originated as a week-long observance in 1978, via a congressional bill to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and to recognize the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869—a feat made possible largely by Chinese immigrant labor. In 1992, the observance was officially expanded to a full month. 

This month is especially significant in the realm of health and healthcare. The AAPI community represents more than 30 different countries and ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages—yet health disparities, language barriers, and limited access to culturally competent care remain persistent challenges. Addressing these issues is vital to ensuring health equity and justice for all. 

The following print books can be found near the Reserve collection in the lobby and are available for checkout.

Ka'ai, K., McLemore, M., Chen, Z. A., Ma, G. X., Samoa, R., Quach, T., & Zhang, X. (2022). Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander health. Health equity, 6(1), 942–952. https://doi-org.proxy1.library.virginia.edu/10.1089/heq.2022.29015.rtd

Lamba, S., Bowman, A., Chandra, R., Stanford, K., List, J., Moy, E., Washington, D., Korshak, L. (2024). Person-centered care among Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander veterans. Washington, D.C.: Office of Health Equity, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. https://permanent.fdlp.gov/gpo235456/Person_Centered_Care_Among_NHOPI.pdf

Wang, J., Vela, M. B., & Chin, M. H. (2023). Addressing bias and racism against Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander individuals: A call to action to advance health equity and leadership. JAMA network open, 6(7), e2325872. https://doi-org.proxy1.library.virginia.edu/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.25872