OMH Addresses Racism and Intolerance and Promotes Vaccine Confidence during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2021 Each May, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) recognizes Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, an observance that celebrates the achievements and contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This year, OMH and its partners throughout the country will focus on supporting communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to promote vaccine confidence, and address the recent rise in violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. OMH is urging state, tribal, and local leaders, community-based organizations, faith leaders, healthcare providers and individuals to leverage their communication channels/networks and social media platforms to not only celebrate the achievements and contributions of AAPIs in the U.S., but to also encourage AAPI communities to prioritize their mental and emotional wellness in the current state of racism and intolerance. We hope that you will join OMH and partners in using the hashtags #StopAAPIHate and #VaccineReady on your social media platforms to share information, resources, and activities. We encourage you to attend the following upcoming events: - Past and Present: Addressing Racism and Intolerance Against Asian Americans
- Saturday, May 8 from 2:00-3:30 pm ET
- Virtual panel discussion, hosted by OMH, the National Park Service (NPS), and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI).
- AAPI Heritage Month Twitter Chat
- Wednesday, May 19 at 2:00 pm ET
- Hosted by OMH with the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), and the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA).
OMH also invites you to join our efforts in addressing the current state of racism and intolerance against AAPI communities and promote vaccine confidence by accessing our partner and #VaccineReady shareable materials, including sample social media messages, graphics and resources that will help highlight AAPI Heritage Month. Visit our observance webpage to find materials, additional upcoming events, and health resources. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for OMH newsletters for additional updates. Join the COVID-19 Community Corps to get resources to help you build vaccine confidence in your community. | 
