Asian Girls Ignite Joins NAAPIMHA in proclaiming May 10th As Annual National AANHPI Mental Health Day
On May 10, 2024, Asian Girls Ignite is proud to join the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), the U.S Congress, and over a hundred community organizations, businesses, cities, and states across the country to commemorate the fourth annual National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day.
“During my middle school years, I faced relentless bullying that left me feeling isolated and alone. But instead of letting it break me, I used those experiences to ignite a fire within me.” says Mehgan Yen, Co-Founder and COO of Asian Girls Ignite.
“I made a vow to myself that no AANHPI girl or gender-expansive youth should ever have to endure the pain I went through. It's a passion that burns within me, especially knowing that suicide is the leading cause of death amongst AANHPI youth.”
How national AANHPI mental health day started
May 10 has been recognized as AANHPI Mental Health Day since 2010, when it was first proclaimed in the State of California. In 2021, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) introduced the first congressional resolution to recognize May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day and last year, a Senate companion was introduced for the first time by Senator Mazie Hirono (HI). The congressional resolution calls upon members of Congress to promote national awareness of mental health issues unique to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and urges state and local health agencies across the nation to improve the quality and availability of mental health services for this population.
Learn more: www.naapimha.org/aanhpimentalhealthday
The importance of national AANHPI mental health day
In the United States, AANHPIs have the lowest rate of mental health care utilization compared to other racial or ethnic groups, with only 36 percent of AANHPI adults with a mental illness receiving treatment in 2022. In recent years, suicide has been the leading cause of death for AANHPI youth ages 10 through 24 in the United States, and AANHPI youth are the only racial or ethnic group in this age category with this first leading cause of death.
Why we celebrate
We celebrate National AANHPI Mental Health Day to spotlight the critical mental health challenges faced by AANHPI communities. With the alarming rise in anti-Asian hate, racism and violence linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize the mental well-being of AANHPI individuals across the nation. By raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for equitable resource allocation, we aim to foster inclusive support systems that address the cultural and linguistic needs of the AANHPI community. Through this celebration, we empower individuals to actively engage in the creation of culturally sensitive intervention strategies and innovative healing approaches, promoting resilience and holistic wellness within the AANHPI population.
Why it matters to Asian Girls Ignite
Being Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) encompasses a kaleidoscope of identities, including adoptees, multiracial and biracial individuals.
Regardless of physical appearance, the AANHPI identity is a celebration of diverse heritages, cultures, experiences, and communities. When students feel seen and valued they are enabled to define success and power on their own terms.
While AANHPI youth are often seen as “having it all together,” the reality is that many AANHPI youth desperately need a supportive community that celebrates their identity, and safe places to talk about mental wellbeing and belonging.
AANHPI youth confront an array of mental health challenges. Cultural norms the prioritize resilience may discourage open discussions about mental health. This stigma can contribute to a sense of silencing, shame, and isolation—hindering AANHPI youth from seeking help and amplifying the impacts of mental health issues.
At Asian Girls Ignite, we create spaces for AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth to explore and define their identity on their own terms.
Our educational programs focus the following outcomes:
Connection - Students value community and belonging, seeking out meaningful connections and replicating supportive communities.
Affirmation - Students feel seen and valued, which enables them to define success and power on their own terms.
Self-Determination - Students navigate challenges authentically, finding personalized solutions and coping mechanisms aligned with their values and circumstances.
AANHPI Mental Health Day plays a critical role in raising awareness about mental health within the AANHPI community, leveraging resources for our community organizations, developing partnerships, and advocating for policies that increase access to culturally relevant mental health services.
We stand in solidarity with the AANHPI community and aim to destigmatize AANHPI mental health. We invite you to join us and NAAPIMHA in our collective movement to promote and redefine the mental health and well-being of AANHPI individuals and communities in the U.S.
If you’re in the Colorado area, consider celebrating AANHPI heritage month with us! On May 18, 2024, Asian Girls Ignite is hosting a FREE event - AANHPI Heritage Month CelebrAsian - for all AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth from grade 6 - 12 and AANHPI women. RSVP here.
