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BALTIMORE, MD – Representatives of the Maryland’s Asian American population shared their concerns, experiences, and suggestions at an Asian American Health Roundtable, hosted by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DHMH) Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities.

            Health disparities are created when disease and mortality affect some communities at a higher rate than others.  In Maryland, conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS impact the State’s ethnic communities at a greater rate.

            Maryland recognized the importance of promoting reduction in minority health disparities.  The Asian American Health Roundtable was the fourth in a series of health roundtables.  Previous roundtables were held for the Native American, Hispanic/Latino American and African American communities.

            DHMH Secretary S. Anthony McCann provided the opening remarks at the Asian American Health Roundtable on October 5, 2006 at the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conference room.

“Health disparities are experienced by many of Maryland’s Asian Americans,” said Secretary McCann.  “Information gained from this roundtable will help us continue to meet our commitment to reduce health disparities and bring the medical industry standards to care to all Maryland residents.”

Background and purpose of the roundtable was presented Dr. Carlessia A. Hussein, Director of Minority Health and Health Disparities, and other State representatives including the Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, and Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein of Baltimore City.

This roundtable open floor discussion forum provided an opportunity for citizens, advocates, community leaders and health providers of the Asian American community to present their views and strategies in ongoing efforts to eliminate health disparities among the Asian American communities in Maryland.

               There are many barriers to services for Asian Americans that are thought to be the culprits of health disparities:  lack of knowledge, lack of linguistically appropriate/culturally-compatible service settings, lack of bilingual providers, lack of service coordination and follow-up, lack of health insurance.

               However, there is no one solution.  Asians although often generalized are made of different cultures, and there are big differences amongst Asians.

               In the end, Maryland’s efforts to eliminate health disparities will require help from different individual Asian communities to implement targeted strategies.