Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Penn State Health: Highlighting the contributions of AAPI employees and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

The Asian Physician and Professional Association, in collaboration with the International Workforce Inclusion Resource Group and Multicultural Business Employee Resource Group, is leading Penn State Health and the College of Medicine’s celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May. This health system recognizes the vital contributions made by its AAPI workforce, patients, and community.

Several initiatives are planned to commemorate this month-long observance. One such initiative includes trailblazer nominations, where employees can submit nominations for individuals who identify as Asian and have made a significant impact within Penn State Health and the College of Medicine. These trailblazers will be featured in The RITE Stuff in June. Nominations can be submitted to diversity@pennstatehealth.psu.edu throughout May.

Another initiative is an AAPI-themed meal provided by Sodexo at all regional hospital sites on specific dates in May. Additionally, the Asian Physician and Professional Association will host a virtual seminar called “Language Talks,” which aims to raise awareness of language barriers faced by non-native English speakers and promote cross-cultural understanding. The seminar will take place during the month of May.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was initially established as a week-long observance in 1978 by Congress and later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1992. This month holds significance as it coincides with the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States in May 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869, where many Chinese immigrants played a significant role.

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Overall, this celebration highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity within our communities while promoting inclusion, understanding, and equality for all individuals regardless of their background or ethnicity.