History
The Asian Health Advocacy Alliance was created by two UNC students passionate about Asian/Asian American health (to learn more about our rationale, go to Why AHAA?). The organization was officially launched in Fall 2020, right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and thus started with online events for community members and UNC students. Such events included a virtual COVID vaccine education panel, a sanitary items fundraiser drive for NC refugees, and a student panel on AAPI sexual health.
Currently, we are transitioning to in-person events for community advocacy and bonding. Each academic school year, we hope to host a Wellness Field Day for UNC students as well as community service opportunities with local organizations. We will also continue to hold educational events and panels with guest speakers about pertinent issues surrounding Asian/Asian American health.
Our Goals
- Act as liaison between the Asian/Asian community and the medical field
- Connect community members with healthcare providers
- Empower community members to advocate for their health needs
- Promote preventative care for community members
- Outreach to community members to ensure that their health needs are met
- Support community members as they navigate through the healthcare system
- Address specific health needs of community members
- Advocacy for the Asian community to address healthcare disparities unique to this population
- Draw attention to the neglect experienced by Asian/Asian Americans in the public health studies and support
- Educational work to improve understanding between the two group
- Decode myths regarding western medicine and treatments in the Asian community to improve patient outcomes
- Improve health literacy among community members