Revealing Insights: A Pathway to Understanding and Empowerment

The NHPI community's experience throughout the pandemic paints a complex picture of resilience amidst adversity. This report not only highlights their struggles but also offers a roadmap toward more inclusive policies and equitable access to resources.

Mental Health Challenges: Unmet Needs and Barriers

In a comprehensive 2024 survey involving over 900 NHPI adults, approximately one-third expressed a need for mental health support in 2023. However, many refrained from seeking help due to significant obstacles such as prohibitive costs, inadequate insurance coverage, societal stigma, and limited availability of culturally competent providers. These barriers have perpetuated a cycle of unaddressed mental health issues within the community.

The psychological toll of the pandemic was exacerbated by persistent stressors like health anxieties, financial instability, and concerns for loved ones. Yet, individuals found solace in supportive social networks, spiritual practices, family engagement, and recreational activities. Such coping mechanisms highlight the importance of fostering environments that encourage these positive interactions while addressing underlying systemic challenges.

Economic Instability: A Disproportionate Impact

Financial hardship loomed large over NHPI households, with more than a third reporting reduced income since the onset of the pandemic. Specific subgroups, including Fijians and Marshallese populations, bore an even heavier burden. Approximately 14% lost stable employment, and over a quarter grappled with affording basic necessities such as housing, sustenance, and educational expenses.

Despite eligibility criteria being met, fewer than a third accessed vital benefits such as Medi-Cal or CalFresh. This disparity underscores the urgent need for streamlined processes and enhanced outreach efforts to ensure no individual is left behind when accessing critical resources necessary for survival and recovery.

Data Disaggregation: Illuminating Hidden Realities

Historically, NHPIs have been grouped under the broader umbrella of Asian Americans in demographic and health-related data. This practice has masked the distinct adversities unique to NHPI communities. For instance, per capita income levels among NHPIs in California are markedly lower compared to those of Asian American counterparts.

This study champions the necessity of disaggregated data collection and analysis. By doing so, it unveils crucial distinctions between various NHPI subgroups concerning both mental health outcomes and economic struggles. Such insights are invaluable in crafting targeted interventions and promoting informed decision-making at all levels of governance.

Community Engagement: A Cornerstone of Success

The remarkable achievements of this research can be attributed to robust collaboration with local communities. Active participation and trust-building initiatives ensured accurate representation and meaningful dialogue throughout the process.

According to Andrew Subica, associate professor of social medicine, population, and public health, this partnership represents a pivotal step towards achieving resource equity and shaping effective policy frameworks tailored specifically for NHPI communities. It exemplifies how collective action and shared commitment can drive transformative change.