Hate crimes impacting health of AAPI community

Violence against Asian Americans reached its tipping point last year when people all over the world witnessed the attack that left eight people dead in a shooting spree now known as the Atlanta spa shootings.

Wilma Alvarado-Little with the New York State Department of Health says violence based on race and ethnicity – specifically against Asian American and Pacific Islanders – existed long before the pandemic, but now more than ever is the time to address these disparities.

The New York State Department of Health recently hosted a panel of experts to explain how the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic have impacted their overall health. Some of the factors that play a role in disparity include social and economic conditions, accessibility to health care, and language barriers.

Alvarado-Little says communication is key, and she has some suggestions to help.

Learn about what they are by watching the video of Taniqua Pennix’s story.