Cultural Representation in Public Health: A Conversation with an AANHPI Epidemiologist

As the public health sector continues to evolve, the need for diverse perspectives and cultural representation has never been more critical. In a recent interview with a public health professional, we explored the importance of cultural identity and representation in the public health sector, particularly within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

What Public Health Means to an Epidemiologist

Our interviewee, an Epidemiologist from a local county health department in Washington state, is a first-generation immigrant from South Korea. With a deep commitment to public health, she plays a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing health data to prevent diseases and promoting health and well-being within our communities. As she shared:

“Public health is ensuring that all people and communities are healthy through promoting health and well-being, preventing hazards and disease, and prolonging life. To me, public health is an under-recognized protector that makes sure that everyone can have a safer and healthier place to thrive.”

The Importance of Cultural Representation in Public Health

One of the most important points raised in this Q&A session was the importance of cultural representation within public health. Our Epidemiologist stressed that when communities see public health professionals who share their cultural background, it fosters trust and promotes better health outcomes. In this instance, her role as an Asian epidemiologist allows them to share their insights on data collected from AANHPI populations through a personal perspective.

"Cultural representation in public health is crucial to our work," she emphasized. "When our communities see themselves represented among public health workers, there’s a sense of cultural trust and understanding that has the potential to be formed." This trust is vital, especially when addressing historically underserved populations like AANHPI communities, who often face barriers in receiving care.

When it comes to such cultural barriers, our interviewee was able to share her past experiences. "Public health has struggled in the past with creating culturally appropriate translated messaging, leading to exclusive and ineffective interventions that caused health disparities in AANHPI communities. Many AANHPI public health workers themselves have grown up experiencing or seeing loved ones experience these inequitable situations in public health," she noted. The lack of culturally relevant communication has contributed to the marginalization of our AANHPI communities – making it difficult for such individuals to access certain health resources.

Envisioning a More Inclusive-Environment within Public Health

Looking towards the future of public health, our interviewee is optimistic about its growing inclusivity. “The public health sector is becoming more inclusive each year with many BIPOC students with diverse backgrounds earning their MPHs and more BIPOC staff working for health departments,” she shared. Diversity within public health is critical in ensuring that health policies reflect the needs and values of the communities they serve – especially for our AANHPI folks.

“Health departments are evolving by directly involving, collaborating with, and sometimes even contracting with community organizations who are already doing important work to include public health in their local efforts," she said. For a non-profit organization like us here at APCC, this statement is particularly resonant, as it reflects our commitment to fostering strong partnerships that bridge cultural gaps and addressing the public health needs of the communities we serve.

Final Thoughts

In closing, our interviewee expressed their proud role as an AANHPI public health worker. "Public health is evolving and diversifying, and I am proud to be an AANHPI public health worker in Washington," she shared. "We are a growing population and we’re here to represent and advocate for ourselves, our communities, and your health.”

As our Washington state communities continue to grow and diversify, the public health sector must also adapt to change – ensuring that all individuals have the care and support they need. And with the help of organizations like us, we can further foster collaboration and help bridge the gap between public health and AANHPI communities, making sure they receive care that is culturally competent and tailored to their unique needs and experiences.