All Californians should access necessary health care regardless of their immigration status or where they were born.
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SEARAC Unites With California Partners to Celebrate Our Right to Heal
SEARAC joined our California-based advocacy and health services partners to host the third annual “The Right to Heal: Centering Mental Health Multi-Racial Equity in California.”
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“Everyday I woke up crying because I gave birth to him but couldn’t do anything about his medical bills. I cried every time I looked at the medical bills because I couldn’t afford them. I didn’t even want to take my son into the hospital if it was going to be that expensive.”
as featured in our video “A Mother’s Love”
“Before the Medicaid expansion, I was without health insurance for a long time and was only able to access the free health clinics in the East Bay to address this recurring stomach issue that I had. I would be in immense pain. With the Medicaid expansion, I have been able to see a doctor and receive regular check-ups regarding my illness. I know that having Medi-Cal has prolonged my lifespan.”
Southeast Asian Americans Speak Out to Protect the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion report
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Latest related posts
On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, Sarah Burtner reflects on her family’s journey—from her grandmother and five children finding refuge with the sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in 1975, to the enduring truth that women and refugees continue to build futures rooted in dignity, compassion, and courage against harmful ideologies.
Read Sarah and Kathy`s full #OurRootsOurPower blogpost at the link in our bio!
Aug 26
The United States continues to detain and deport Southeast Asians — tearing loved ones away from their families without a second chance. In these turbulent times, we must lean on one another and fight for a future rooted in justice and care.
Manoutham Phommachan and Vanhhatdy Souvannaxa both arrived in the US as children with refugee status after their families fled the violence in Laos following the Vietnam War. Both were unjustly deported, separated from the Rhode Island communities they helped build.
As @thepublicsradio reports, their wives, Cassie Souvannaxa and Tina Phommachan, have found strength in each other as they navigate this painful reality. Their resilience is a reminder that Southeast Asian communities will continue to rise and demand an immigration system grounded in humanity, dignity, and love. Shoutout to @prysmfam, who has been providing deportation defense for Southeast Asian families in Rhode Island through mutual aid, legal support, community organizing, and direct action.
Read the full article at the link in our bio!
Aug 25
August is National Immunization Awareness Month and it`s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones by staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination. Adults 50+ face a higher risk from the virus, and getting vaccinated is a simple way to stay protected. Discover more with @cveepsocial: cveep.org/stayupdated
Aug 22
Southeast Asian American Journeys (@seaajourneys_doc), a docuseries produced alongside @caamedia, honors the journey of Southeast Asian American communities across the United States. Premiering at CAAMFest earlier this year, this series is an act of remembrance, reclamation, and resistance. The behind the scenes conversation with our filmmakers is now live for all to enjoy!
In conversation with fellow filmmaker Van Tran Nguyen, director of THE MOTHERLOAD, Joua Lee Grande (Director, TEB CHAW), @oanhnhi.nguyen (Director, THE MARKET), and @smellydurianface (Director, THREADS) reflect on the years-long journey of building trust within refugee immigrant communities and the care it takes to authentically tell their stories of resettlement. Tune in to the conversation at the link in our bio!
Photo credit: Treehouse Vista Studio
Aug 20
Southeast Asian refugee communities from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia have carried the weight of war, displacement, and loss. Today, unjust detention and deportation continue to tear families apart and reopen old wounds.
Recent reporting from @minnesotareformer spotlights local leaders, advocates, and community organizations including our friends at @releasemn8 who are organizing, resisting, and demanding dignity, compassion, and a future free from the threat of deportation.
Read the full article at the link in our bio!
Aug 19
