Background | Goals | Staff | Steering Commitee

Background:

The Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) was established and funded in Fiscal Year 2005 to help eliminate health disparities that exist between Asian Americans and their non-Asian counterparts. It is part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Minority and Multicultural Health. The AAHI's purpose is to develop appropriate health programs that meet the needs of a diverse group of Asian Americans living in the County.

Goals:

1. To conduct an in-depth data collection, analysis and reporting of health status for the different ethnic groups in the Asian American Community.
2. To expand and improve the existing health services available to Asian Americans.
3. To ensure the availability of quality health care directed to the specific needs of the different ethnic groups in the community.
4. To provide outreach programs to inform and educate the different ethnic groups about the accessibility and the availability of health care services.
5. To ensure that all ethnic groups in the Asian American Community have their fair share of health care by eliminating barriers.

AAHI staff with Governor Martin O'Malley		County Executive Isaiah "Ike" Leggett with AAHI Staff

Staff:

Julie Bawa, MPH – Program Manager,
Asian American Health Initiative
Montgomery County, DHHS

Julie Bawa is the Program Manager of the Asian American Health Initiative. She is responsible for planning, developing, directing and evaluating overall activities and programs for AAHI. Formerly, Ms. Bawa coordinated and managed the Cancer Awareness, Education and Screening program for underserved, low-income Asian Americans in Montgomery County. Ms. Bawa has extensive knowledge and experience working and collaborating with the diverse Asian American communities. She advocates for programs that aims to increase access quality healthcare services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for Limited - English Proficient communities. Ms. Bawa also served on numerous state and local boards addressing minority health and elimination of health disparities. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, with a minor in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Public Health from Northern Illinois University.

Lisa Canda–Program Assistant,
Asian American Health Initiative

Lisa Canda is the Program Assistant for the Asian American Health Initiative. She is responsible for the maintenance of the Hepatitis B program, and assists with the Health Promoters program as well as other projects. Prior to working with the AAHI, she interned with Adventist Healthcare doing various outreach projects. Lisa has her Bachelors of Science degree in Community Health from the University of Maryland and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

Perry Chan –Program Assistant,
Asian American Health Initiative

Perry Chan is Program Assistant for the Asian American Health Initiative. He is responsible for the maintenance of the tobacco control, diabetes, and osteoporosis program. He has a strong interest in promoting health among Asian Americans and reducing health disparity. Perry received his Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health from the University of Maryland.   

Roanne Calizo–Administrative Assistant,
Asian American Health Initiative

Roanne Calizo provides administrative assistance to the staff of the Asian American Health Initiative. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Neurobiology and Physiology from the University of Maryland. Roanne has a background in cervical cancer research from her previous work at Johns Hopkins University. She also has experience working with children as an instructor for a tutoring company. She thoroughly enjoys participating in various outreach programs for the diverse Asian American community.

Anne Marie Poblador –Outreach Coordinator,
Asian American Health Initiative

Anne Marie Poblador is the Outreach Coordinator for the Asian American Health Initiative. She is responsible for the maintenance of the Health Promoter's Program, and assists in organizing outreach events. Prior to working with the AAHI, she interned with Boat People SOS, a community based organization serving the Vietnamese population, doing various community projects. Anne Marie received her Bachelors of Arts degree in International Affairs from Trinity University in Washington, DC.

Christine Liang – Program Coordinator,
Asian American Health Initiative–Cancer Program

Christine Liang is the Program Coordinator for the Asian American Health Initiative.  She is responsible for the maintenance of the Cancer Program by providing education and screening options for various cancers.  She has experience with educational outreach regarding sexual health and reproductive education through SHARE, a peer organization at the University of Maryland. Christine received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Neurobiology and Physiology from the University of Maryland.

AAHI Steering Committee:

The AAHI Steering Committee is composed of stakeholders from various ethnic groups in the Asian American community who advocate, recommend and assist in the AAHI’s development to eliminate health disparities.  The dedicated members of the committee bring diverse expertise in health care issues and/or their communities.  Currently, there are approximately 16 members, and the AAHI is recruiting additional members who can support the AAHI in achieving its mission and goals. 

Steering Committee Meeting May 2, 2007		AAHI Steering Committee with HHS Director Uma Ahluwalia

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairperson:	Hoan Dang	Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA)
Vice Chairperson:	Meng K. Lee	Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC)
Members
	Anis Ahmed	Bangladeshi Community/Montgomery County Government
	Julia Chang	The Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington, Inc. (KCSCGW)
	Walter Engelen	Indonesian Community
	Nerita Estampador	Montgomery County Government
	Wilbur Friedman	Organization of Chinese Americans, Greater Washington D.C. Chapter (OCADC)
	Christy Hoang	Boat People SOS Inc. (BPSOS)
	Harry Kwon	Montgomery County Resident
	Michael Lin	Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA)
	Sam Mukherjee	Asian Indians for Community Service, Inc (AICS)
	Anthony Tran	Montgomery County Resident
	Sovan Tun	Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc
	Lily Qi	Office of Community Partnership

If you are interested in attending future meetings and/or becoming a member of the committee, please contact the AAHI.

Minutes from previous meetings:
FY 05 Archive FY 06 Archive FY 07 Archive FY 08 Archive