On May 19, A&PI Wellness Center hosted a press conference to expose the impact of HIV and hepatitis B on Asian & Pacific Islander communities in the US. HIV and hepatitis B are silently ravaging our communities, despite the popular misconception (held by medical providers, the general population, and even A&PIs) that A&PIs are not affected by these diseases. Nothing could be further from the truth: A&PI men and women have the highest percentage annual increase in new HIV infections—higher than any other ethnic group—and 1 in 10 A&PIs are chronically infected with hepatitis B, compared to 1 in 1000 in the general population. In fact, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the HIV infection rate in A&PI communities will surpass that of Latinos by 2015 and of African Americans by 2020 if left unchecked.

Panelists included CA State Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Ryan Ong Palao (aka Ongina), Dr. Tri Do and A&PI Wellness Center Executive Director, Lance Toma. Assemblywoman Ma, who is chronically infected with hepatitis B, shared her personal experience educating the public about the disease and the need to get vaccinated (see a special message from Assemblywoman Ma about the importance of May 19th). Ryan Ong Palao, who disclosed his HIV status on the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, urged other people living with HIV to find support in their community: “Telling my family I was HIV-positive was one of the hardest things I ever did. I was really afraid, but I’m glad I did because now I have their support.” Ryan also sat down with us to record a special message for May 19th.

PBS Newshour was also covered our press conference as part of an in-depth story on hepatitis B and A&PIs. Check back to find out when the story will air!

SELECTED MAY 19 COVERAGE:
Sing Tao News Daily (Chinese)
White House Office of National AIDS Policy
AIDS.gov: Today is National A&PI HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
LGBT Newswire
Philippine News