Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month marks a time of celebration at UI Health, recognizing the extensive history and achievements of AAPI communities in the United States. AAPI professionals have played a crucial role in advancing medical science, improving patient care, and advocating for equitable health policies. This month, we reflect on their pivotal contributions and the ways in which they enrich our healthcare system.

AAPI individuals have been at the forefront of numerous medical innovations. For example, Dr. Feng Shan Ho, a Chinese diplomat, extended his humanitarian efforts beyond traditional roles during the Holocaust by saving thousands of lives. Similarly, Dr. Katherine Luzuriaga, a Filipino-American immunologist, has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission. Her groundbreaking research has opened new pathways for prevention and provided hope to families globally. Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Luzuriaga is a mentor to young scientists and a vocal advocate for public health initiatives aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS.

This year, in conjunction with AAPI Month and Nurses Week, UI Health is hosting a special staff-only event titled “Honoring AAPI Healthcare Heroes: Nurses Making a Difference.” This internal gathering is designed to raise awareness of AAPI contributions within our healthcare staff, celebrate AAPI culture, and enhance leadership skills among nursing staff. Our distinguished guest, Stacy Arriola, DNP, RN, CNE—a prominent Filipino healthcare professional and Board Director for the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois—will share insights from her project “Empowering the Next Generation of Nursing Leaders.” To learn more about her work, visit Empowering the Next Generation of Nursing Leaders.

The contributions of the AAPI community are an integral part of our healthcare system's success. At UI Health, we are committed to recognizing these contributions not only during AAPI Heritage Month but throughout the year. Events like these underline our ongoing efforts to appreciate and understand the diverse backgrounds that strengthen our healthcare services.

For more information about public events and initiatives celebrating AAPI contributions, or to understand how we are promoting diversity within our staff, please contact the Office of Diversity and Community Health Equity at UIHDiversity@uic.edu.

Archives

Read more about the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders in our community throughout the years.

• Honoring Mi Ja Kim
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2022
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2023