NCJ Number
196797
Date Published
2002
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Filmed on March 11, 2002, this video tape from the National Asian Pacific American Family Against Substance Abuse (NAPAFASA) conference on protecting Asian-American and Pacific Islanders initiatives presents a series of speakers at the opening plenary session.
Abstract
In March 2002, the NAPAFASA conference was held in Washington DC. This video focuses on protecting Asian-American and Pacific Islanders initiatives. The conference organizer, introduces the 2-day conference as a discussion of Asian-American and Pacific Islander issues, focusing on substance abuse, mental health, and culture. Arguing that it is possible for Asian-American and Pacific Islander issues to be “pushed under the table” as the country mobilizes for war, post-September 11, 2001, it is suggested that mental health and substance abuse of Asian-American and Pacific Islanders are still important issues. The next speaker, Kevin Chipman of the Washington DC Mayor's Office, notes that substance abuse and mental health issues are silent terrorists in America’s communities. Citing 20,000 Asian-American and Pacific Islander businesses and 330,000 Asian-American and Pacific Islander residents in the DC. area, he argues for providing services and developing polices to serve the wellness and diversity of the community. Next, Ford H. Koromoto, Executive Director of NAPAFASA, introduces the panel speakers. John Doone, Executive Director of the White House Asian-American and Pacific Islanders Initiative describes the birth of the initiative and details the 15-member presidentially appointed committee in charge of assessing needs of Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities throughout the country. Citing health statistics, he discusses the cultural inappropriateness and stigma associated with Asian-American and Pacific Islander’s use of many substance abuse and mental health services. Admiral Nathan Stinson, Director of the Office of Minority Health, describes health as a greater priority than ever, post-September 11, 2001. Addressing health care disparities for Asian-American and Pacific Islanders, he argues that substance abuse and mental health issues should not be pushed to the side. Richard Nakamura, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, described the Institute, its mission, goals, and research, arguing that research on mind, brain, and behavior is important to understanding Asian-American and Pacific Islander mental health issues. Sue Thaw, policy consultant, speaks last, describing ways that people should market their goods, services, and successes to policy makers to insure future financial support of Asian-American and Pacific Islander issues.