Recommendations for Implementing Policy, Systems, and Environmental Improvements to Address Chronic Diseases in Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

Abstract

Emphasis has increased recently on disseminating high-impact, population-wide strategies for the prevention of chronic diseases. However, such strategies are typically not effective at reaching Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, or other underserved communities. The objectives of this article were to 1) present the methods of the Strategies to Reach and Implement the Vision of Health Equity program in which 15 community-based organizations in the United States and the Pacific region implemented evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental improvements in their local communities and 2) provide recommendations for using these tailored approaches in other communities and geographic locations. Further support is needed for organizations in tailoring these types of population-wide strategies. Implementing population health improvements should be adapted to maximize effectiveness to decrease chronic diseases in these populations and ultimately eliminate racial/ethnic health disparities.

Supporting the Evaluation and Implementation of Musculoskeletal Models of Care: A Globally Informed Framework for Judging Readiness and Success

“…The immense burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases, particularly regarding disability related to musculoskeletal and mental health conditions, is well established . Accordingly, governments and nongovernmental health‐related agencies worldwide are developing health policy, service, and workforce responses to address this increasing burden , including responses specifically for musculoskeletal conditions . One approach has been the development of models of care (MOCs) to facilitate the planning and delivery of evidence‐informed health care for consumers .…”

Improving Access to Healthy Foods for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: Lessons Learned from the STRIVE Program

“…32 CBOs selected strategies focused on increasing access to healthy foods: development of community gardens and farmers' markets, implementation of nutrition policies for congregant meals in faith-based settings; and on increasing opportunities for physical activities: implementation of worksite policies for physical activity breaks, school-based joint-use agreements, and promotion of walking trails. Further discussion of funding eligibility, the CHANGE tool, project deliverables and CBO strategies are discussed in Arista et al 47 This report is focused on the four CBOs (herein referred to as Partners) that implemented culturally-adapted community gardens and farmers' markets to highlight successful strategies to increase access to healthy foods for AANHPIs.…”

Redefining the Care Continuum to Create a Pipeline to Dementia Care for Minority Populations

“…Further our group, the New York University Center for the Study of Asian American Health (NYU CSAAH) has demonstrated that health promoting activities are feasible, acceptable, and sustainable by immigrant-serving CBO leadership and members. [14][15][16][17][18] For these reasons, CBOs are ideally situated to play an essential role in dementia care by providing education, addressing social needs, and creating a supportive environment for diverse adults.…”