Did you know that AAPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month both fall in May? In anticipation of this time of celebrating AAPI contributions and recognizing the importance of mental health, LACAAEA is actively working with the LA County Department of Mental Health and other community leaders to provide panels and workshops for the AAPI communities starting in May.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, suicide is the leading cause of death for young Asian Americans from ages 15 to 24. We are also the least likely of all racial groups in the nation to seek out mental health services due to various cultural factors. Mental illness is viewed as a weakness and as reflecting negatively on the entire household.

Many believe that it’s due to problematic upbringing, which puts the parents’ reputation at stake. The model minority image also adds overwhelming pressure on many AAPIs as they strive to uphold this image or risk being looked down on. Language is another obstacle to receiving help as 32.6% of AAPIs are not fluent in English. There is a lack of translated material and outreach efforts to spread awareness to AAPIs even though our communities desperately need all the help we can get.

LACAAEA will be kicking of virtual mental health workshops with a panel of guest speakers in May. Please be on the look out for an email notification from us for a date and time. We welcome you to spread the word to your family and friends and participate in this conversation with us to help improve the lives of our AAPI communities

In 2021, the Board of Supervisors announced a plan of allocating 22 million dollars from the federal American Rescue Act to serving the arts and cultural programs throughout LA County. Much of the funding will focus on areas impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic bringing recovery and revival to hard-hit sectors. This is especially important for minority groups and underserved residents not only because they were the ones most affected by the pandemic, but because the diverse cultures that make up LA County’s population is often preserved through artistic expressions. Below is a list of the programs that are receiving funding:

• Arts Relief and Recovery Grants to Nonprofits and Individuals

• Jobs for Artists and Creative Workers

• Reopening Culture, Tourism, and Marketing Initiative

• Creative Career Pathways for Youth

• Arts Education Program for Vulnerable LA County Schools

As AAPI communities are finding their voices and becoming stronger through the pandemic, it is vital that we continue to learn and share our cultural heritage so that we can promote equity and diversity. AAPI receive less representation in the media and our contributions to society receive less recognition. We need to support our own arts and cultures so that our artists have the resources to thrive.