Research

Title: Examining Structural Racism as a Fundamental Cause of Health Inequities Among the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in the United States and the Indigenous Māori and Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand: An Exploratory Comparative Case Study Analysis

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) in the United States (U.S.) and Indigenous Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand experience profound and persistent disparities across most indicators of socioeconomic status and health when compared to the majority population. Reducing disparities and improving health equity among racial/ethnic minority populations are national priorities in both countries. This study aims to provide new insights into the historical and socio-political context of how structural racism affects Indigenous health and engage in critical race analyses of current public health practices in the U.S. and New Zealand. The findings will shed light on the underlying causes of health inequities in both countries and offer recommendations for interventions to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for NHPI and Indigenous Māori and Pacific peoples.

The Collective Love Project is a community of scholars dedicated to advancing anti-racism and equity through projects focused on radical love. Our first project, titled "Addressing Racism Through Policy & Systems Change within Universities: A Pilot Project," aims to develop a racial climate assessment tool and pilot an institution-wide climate survey on racism and bias.

To ensure a comprehensive and tailored assessment, we will conduct focus groups with various stakeholders, including the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) Commission on Racism and Bias and other UHM campus entities. This will allow us to gather feedback from every demographic on the UHM campus regarding our topic of interest.

Despite universities striving to be socially conscious, many have failed to implement racially conscious practices and policies, resulting in institutional racial injustices. BIPOC faculty and graduate students face racial microaggressions and discriminatory behaviors daily, which often hinders their academic and professional success. As the American Public Health Association has declared racism a public health crisis, university departments have a unique position to examine their own racial biases and develop race-conscious policies, setting an example for systemic change.

Our partnership with the UHM Commission on Racism and Bias will enable us to pilot a racial climate survey that will serve as evidence to address racism for health. By exploring racial bias within institutions that foster professionals, we can center racism as a public health issue and apply a critical lens of social justice in the core curriculum. Together, we can work towards creating a more equitable and anti-racist society.

The project was funded by the RWJF Health Policy Research Scholars Program Anti-Racism/COVID-19 Grant

Filipinx/a/o Life Experiences During COVID-19

I served as the Project Coordinator for a research study that aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of health-related disparities within the Filipinx/a/o community in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research projects are evidence-based and have been vetted by the community to ensure their relevance and impact.

As the Project Coordinator, my role involved providing leadership, managing project activities, and facilitating collaboration among team members. Our current project focuses on actively engaging the community by gathering their voices and participation through a remote survey. Community members have the option to complete the survey online or via mail, allowing them to share their unique experiences with COVID-19.

The survey covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to general demographics, health behaviors, access to healthcare, and utilization of healthcare services. Additionally, we explore social and economic experiences during the pandemic, such as discrimination, stress, and overall wellness. By examining these areas, we aim to uncover and address the specific challenges faced by the Filipinx/a/o community during this crisis.

Our research approach is community-centered and aims to empower community members by giving them a platform to share their experiences and perspectives. By collecting this valuable data, we can work towards identifying and implementing targeted interventions and policies to mitigate health disparities within the community.

My research focuses on improving data collection practices, with a particular emphasis on race, ethnicity, and language. I am committed to developing robust data disaggregation practices that go beyond the federal minimum reporting standards for major racial and ethnic categories. Instead, I seek to encourage the collection of more detailed and nuanced data that links demographic information to factors that influence health outcomes.

It is crucial that we remain responsive to evolving demographic trends by accurately understanding the needs of all communities. This requires revising federal standards for data collection, including the OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 15, and advocating for a fair, accurate, and inclusive decennial Census. By promoting best practices, oversight, and support for high-quality data collection, we can ensure that policies are informed by accurate and equitable data.

In pursuit of these goals, I am interested in exploring innovative approaches to data collection, such as leveraging technology and partnering with community-based organizations. I believe that these strategies can help us to overcome longstanding barriers to data collection and ultimately create a more inclusive and equitable society. By improving our data collection practices, we can gain a more accurate understanding of health disparities and develop policies that are truly responsive to the needs of all communities