Asian women for health history
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Asian Women for Health was founded in 2012 with the mission to advance health equity for Asian women and underrepresented populations. Since then, the organization has impacted the lives of over 10,000 Asians and their loved ones. By educating them about medical issues faced by Asians, by advocating for more equitable practices, and by providing opportunities and networks for Asians to reciprocate and spread that education and advocacy, AWFH empowers Asians to build the strength and confidence to become champions for health equity.
Founded by Chien-Chi Huang, her vision and leadership expanded the mission of the organization beyond cancer to bridging cultural, linguistic, and other gaps between the communities and health services and research. Our work addresses systemic and cultural barriers to improve health for Asians and other minorities. Since early 2023, Chien-Chi has retired and turned over the leadership to Naheed Esar, current Executive Director and Eric Braun, Chief Development Officer who continue to advance the organization’s vision and mission, build confidence and capacity of the Asian Community. Our mission is fully aligned with the goal of Mental Health and Well Being initiative to improve the mental and behavioral health of Asian women, children, youth, and families. |
For over 10+ years, Asian Women For Health has been dedicated to advancing health equity, racial justice and community support for pan-Asian people from all generations and all socioeconomic classes. We provide culturally responsive and gender specific health education and peer support. Our work with a variety of health curriculums has improved health literacy among immigrants/refugees and connected them to local resources. Most recently AWFH launched a Community Health Worker Training Program that engages underrepresented minorities and train and place them on the front line of addressing health inequities as Community Health Workers. This program is now one of the many offerings of the organization that range from delivering culturally appropriate health education through workshops and seminars, connecting women on important health issues and building a community to advance, advocate and share information, while reducing language barriers.
We have curated Anti-Racism and Covid related resources on our website and social media platforms. AWFH also conducts annual conferences to educate providers, researchers, policy makers on critical and urgent health issues impacting the Asian population. We facilitate cross-sectoral collaborations to empower women and advance health equity for all!
When working within an ethnic community, it’s impossible to avoid racial problems and encounter issues of racial inequity. In our work that spans more than a decade, we continue to support racial justice as a component of all we do. We are currently part of a Racial Justice in Healthcare program funding through the BCBS of Massachusetts Foundation. We meet monthly to discuss topics related to racial justice and equity and learn better ways to bring people together for important discussions on how to bridge the gaps for underrepresented populations.
In this vein, we are conscious of not isolating the Asian communities we work with but rather bridging the gaps and bringing people together across all boundaries. Racial equity requires that we all understand both our similarities and differences. We are stronger with both a sense of belonging and a sense of uniqueness. Through our Achieving Whole Health program, we create attitudes and healthy practices that help minimize separation and exclusion.
We have curated Anti-Racism and Covid related resources on our website and social media platforms. AWFH also conducts annual conferences to educate providers, researchers, policy makers on critical and urgent health issues impacting the Asian population. We facilitate cross-sectoral collaborations to empower women and advance health equity for all!
When working within an ethnic community, it’s impossible to avoid racial problems and encounter issues of racial inequity. In our work that spans more than a decade, we continue to support racial justice as a component of all we do. We are currently part of a Racial Justice in Healthcare program funding through the BCBS of Massachusetts Foundation. We meet monthly to discuss topics related to racial justice and equity and learn better ways to bring people together for important discussions on how to bridge the gaps for underrepresented populations.
In this vein, we are conscious of not isolating the Asian communities we work with but rather bridging the gaps and bringing people together across all boundaries. Racial equity requires that we all understand both our similarities and differences. We are stronger with both a sense of belonging and a sense of uniqueness. Through our Achieving Whole Health program, we create attitudes and healthy practices that help minimize separation and exclusion.
