We convene a data equity workgroup in partnership with the California Department of Public Health, to ensure data laws are compliant and best practices are institutionalized. We focus on Assembly Bill 1726 as a case study, which mandates the disaggregation of health indicators into more specific AA and NHPI subgroups.
Key resource:
This policy brief presents key challenges to implementing California Assembly Bill 1726, which passed in 2016 and requires the California Department of Public Health to break down broad demographic data it collects into more specific Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups.
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SEARAC Policy Brief Highlights Opportunities, Challenges to Achieve Data Equity for AA and NHPI Communities in California
SEARAC is proud to release “AB 1726: A California Case Study on Disaggregating Public Health Data by Race and Ethnicity,” a new policy brief that presents key challenges to implementing California Assembly Bill 1726, which passed in 2016 and requires the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to break down broad demographic data it collects into more specific Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) subgroups.
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“Data disaggregation is a decades-long advocacy issue that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities have fought for and will continue to fight for until our communities are thriving. EPIC understands data disaggregation is one of the critical ways to uncover and address NHPI health and social inequities. AB 1726 would make the health outcomes of additional NHPI ethnic groups including Tongans and Fijians visible.”
Empowering Pacific Islander Communities
“Southeast Asian Americans (SEAAs) experience unique health inequities due to our experiences with war, genocide, and displacement. For example, heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death for SEAAs in California, potentially linked to toxic chemicals used during the violence in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Almost half of SEAA Californians are limited English proficient and experience linguistic and cultural barriers to accessing care. Community leaders and policymakers need disaggregated data in order to identify disparities various populations face and create evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes for all.”
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Repost from @seaajourneys_doc. Catch 𝗧𝗘𝗕 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗪 at this year`s Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, MN
Friday 8/28 at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday 8/29 at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Pet Pavillion, located at the corner of Murphy Ave & Underwood
Free with fair admission, limited seating begins at 8 p.m., and audiences can vote for their favorite film
curated by @squarelakefestival
Aug 20
Our immigration system must be rooted in dignity, respect for human life, and the opportunity for transformation. Recent coverage from @nytimes highlights the continued targeting of Southeast Asian Americans for detention and deportation, creating a "double punishment" for people who have already served their time, like Mong Tran.
Like many SEAA refugees, Mong`s family fled violence in their homeland, and she arrived in the United States as a child. She made a mistake in her youth and served her sentence. Afterward, she rebuilt her life—raising children and opening her own business. Despite this, she was deported to Vietnam, a country she barely knows. This "double punishment" re-traumatizes immigrant and refugee communities who are simply trying to heal and live safely with their families.
We need policy solutions like the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act #SEADRA, which would protect Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants, keep families together, and restore due process.
Learn more about SEADRA at the link in our bio!
Aug 19
When Southeast Asian American communities are invested into, we can build leaders who will advocate for policies rooted in equity, justice, and healing. SEARAC is deeply grateful to our LAT 2026 sponsors who were able to make LAT possible. Thank you to our lead funder, @statefarm, whose generosity has made LAT possible for more than two decades. We also want to thank our additional sponsors for investing in Southeast Asian American leaders: @aarp, @blueshieldcafoundation, District Capital Management, @ocanational, and @thekresgefoundation .
LAT is made possible through support from our funders and donors! Join our movement to build a pipeline of leaders. Learn more at the link in our bio or visit bit.ly/givetosearac
Aug 12
Last month, SEARAC held our 27th annual Leadership & Advocacy Training program and 23 leaders from across the country are continuing the legacy of Southeast Asian American advocacy power on Capitol Hill. Guided by our wonderful facilitators, including our friends at @nationalcapacd, Diverse Elders Coalition, and @advancingjustice_aajc, our participants gained tools to successfully lead meetings with their elected officials and uplift the experiences of their communities. They elevated key issues like data disaggregation in education, access to quality healthcare, and the protection of family immigration.
We are so proud of our #LAT2026 cohort we are inspired by the bravery, resilience, and joy you shared with us. SEARAC is deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and the congressional offices who welcomed our participants.
✨ Read our highlights at the link in bio.
Aug 11
SEARAC is proud to be a Community Partner for the 49th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF)! All five episodes from @seaajourneys_doc are screening tomorrow, Aug. 7, at the Asian American International Film Festival. This screening is particularly special because each episode from the docuseries now features a brand new original score! Learn more at the link in our bio. Repost from @asiancinevision 🌊 Join #AAIFF49 for the NYC Premiere of SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS, preceded by the short film SEA SONG.
SEA SONG / Sea Song follows a group of South Vietnamese men at their 17th OCS naval officer reunion. For over 30 years they’ve convened every two years in a different city across the US. Now, in their 70s and 80s, age and declining health threatens the future of their tradition. The film is a reflection on survival, mortality, and enduring friendship. 🗣️ Directed by An-Phuong Ly @di.di.an_
SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS @seaajourneys_doc / Presented with five chapters, SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS follows different refugee communities across the US. Altogether, this feature sheds light on Southeast Asian voices in America, layering their work with identity and community. Directed by Quyên Nguyen-Le (AAIFF47 Alumni, “Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in Movement”) @smellydurianface, Joua Lee Grande @joualeelens, Oanh-Nhi Nguyen
📅 August 7 @ 6:00 PM
📍Village East by Angelika
🎟️ Get your passes and tickets today — link in bio!
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