Center for Asian Health Equity holds public launch on health disparities

Emmy-winning journalist moderates April 13 panel discussion at the Newberry Library

April 5, 2016

Researchers, health care providers, trainees and community members will come together for a forum on Asian-American health disparities as a kickoff event celebrating Chicago's new Center for Asian Health Equity.

The center, a unique partnership between the University of Chicago and the Asian Health Coalition, is the first center in the Midwest and one of the nation's only research centers focused on Asian health disparities.

'The reality is that Asian-American health has, for too long, been left out of the disparities conversation," said Karen Kim, MD, a University of Chicago professor of medicine who is director of the center. "And to change that, we need a center that catalyzes the capacity for and interest in Asian health disparities that can address the health gaps faced by these underserved communities."

The Chicago metropolitan area is home to the nation's fifth-largest concentration of Asian-Americans. Totaling more than 603,000 people from 63 ethnic subgroups, the city's Asian-American community reflects a rapidly growing, largely immigrant community with distinct set of health care needs.

Barriers such as language, culture and health care infrastructure make it particularly challenging for Asian-Americans to receive high quality medical care.

As a result, Asian-Americans face a higher risk for cancers, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hepatitis B and mental health, among other diseases. This presents a greater urgency for the Center for Asian Health Equity, which is working to address gaps in health care and public health through research, education, policy/advocacy, and community engagement.

The April 13 panel discussion at the Newberry Library will be moderated by Emmy-winning journalist and former NBC 5 reporter Nesita Kwan. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

Media and others who are interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP.

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When: April 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
What: Panel discussion about Asian-American health disparities, moderated by Emmy award-winning journalist Nesita Kwan
Who: The Center for Asian Health Equity, a partnership between the University of Chicago Medicine and the Asian Health Coalition
Where: The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St.