The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix served as the local host for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). The organization is touring the nation to bring community and health care leaders together to address critical issues facing these populations.

The event, held in the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium, focused on the health needs and priorities of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) in the state of Arizona.

Mayor Kate Gallego welcomed the group and acknowledged the importance of improving the quality of life in Phoenix for all people, but especially the AANHPI community.

“We are the fastest growing city in the country, and our Asian American community is really helping lead the way,” Mayor Gallego said. “I’ll need all of your help to make sure we are welcoming on everything — from the economic side to the health care side.”

Krystal Ka’ai, executive director of the WHIAANHPI, served as the keynote speaker. She shared the importance of knowing what resources are available to communities.

“You don’t have to fly to Washington D.C. to get access to critical resources,” Ka’ai said. “We have people based right here in Arizona who are here as a resource to you.”

In addition to highlighting the available resources for the AANHPI community in Arizona, Ka’ai addressed the issues they have faced related to COVID, mental health and anti-Asian American hate crimes.

“We know that it is so critical that in addition to addressing so many of the health inequities related to COVID, we’re also looking at mental health as a way to ensure that our diverse communities are getting the resources and support they need,” Ka’ai said.

The WHIAANHPI was established by President Joe Biden to deliver on his commitment to reinstate and reinvigorate his executive order on advancing equity, justice and opportunity for AANHPI people.

Some of the values the WHIAANHPI hold close are similar to those of the college’s strategic plan; both value and emphasize making health care more accessible to all communities and improving the quality of health care.