Universal health care through the Affordable Care Act

People hold up signs in support of ACA

Since its passage in 2010, the ACA has greatly increased access to affordable health care for SEAAs and reduced the number of SEAAs withouth health insurance. We must keep building on these successes.

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People hold signs in support of ACA

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person writes on paper

“I began taking oral contraceptives in 2002. I spent roughly $1,440 on oral contraception, at least $160 on well-woman visit co-pays, and the cost of the HPV vaccinne (which was strongly recommended) from the age of 14. My mother, sister, and I have been able to access well-woman visits free of charge since ACA, which also covered birth control for myself and my sister.”

Southeast Asian Americans Speak Out to Protect the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion report
person writes I'm not alone, on paper

“I am a survivor of Cambodian genocide. I have mental problems, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, and stomach problems. My overall health is not great because of these health problems, but I am thankful to have health coverage. If not, I wouldn’t be alive now.

Southeast Asian Americans Speak Out to Protect the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion report
Four people strike silly poses

People Power in Action

Person ties bracelet around another person, people watch close by

Aging with dignity

The Older Americans Act, which provides important services for older adults, should be well-funded and improved to meet the needs of diverse elders, including SEAA elders.

People exercising

Access to universal care through Medi-Cal

All Californians should access necessary health care regardless of their immigration status or where they were born.

Person holds sign saying My Mental Health Matters

Support for culturally competent mental health care

More research, community outreach, language and access support, diverse providers, and funding are needed on SEAA health and mental health.

Repost from @legaciesofwar: It was an incredible honor to kick off our Fall Advocacy Week on the Hill in DC with a 5th Anniversary Celebration of The Saigon Sisters!

Legacies co-hosted this special book talk alongside our friends at the @warlegaciesproject (WLP) and in collaboration with @searac , @peacetreesvietnam , (PTVN), and @article_22 Author Patricia D. Norland (Kit) was joined by panelists Susan Hammond, Founder and Executive Director of WLP,  and @_khamsone_ Sirimanivong, Vice Chair of Legacies, to amplify the voices and stories of Southeast Asian women and their communities — voices often excluded from conversations in the US surrounding western occupation and war in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in the 20th century. 

Special thank you to our dear friend, Quyen Dinh, Executive Director of SEARAC, for leading our discussion and to our Advocacy Ambassador, Allie Hansen, for opening the even and grounding our conversation, and to Rebecca Giovannozzi, Congressional Liaison with PTVN,  for closing our special event with powerful remarks. We are grateful for the many dedicated attendees and our Rockstar volunteers who supported the event and brought diverse perspectives and energy to today’s conversations.

This year is not only the 50th year of the end of the American Wars in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia,  but also marks the 50th year since the largest refugee resettlement in U.S. history as people fled the war. As we move into a chapter of history where atrocities are accelerating worldwide, we have so much to learn from the stories of resistance, resilience, and leadership from the Saigon Sisters — and from the women on this panel.

This discussion reminds us that history is not only about battles and borders, it’s about people, and especially women, whose stories are too often left untold. These voices help us to better understand the courage it takes to act on one’s convictions in times of uncertainty. We are grateful for works like The Saigon Sisters for challenging all of us to think about what reconciliation truly means — not as a single moment, but as an ongoing process of listening, understanding, and rebuilding trust.

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As the government shutdown drags on, we call on Congress to protect the best interests of the people they serve. SEARAC wants to hear from you! Share how  the government shutdown is impacting you, your families, and your communities with SEARAC at bit.ly/SEARACShutdownSurvey or at the link in our bio.

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