RAMS’ Statement on the Administration’s Rescinding of DACA

Welcome Dr. Jorge Wong as RAMS President & Chief Executive Officer

We are happy to announce the confirmation of Dr. Jorge Wong as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of RAMS.

Dr. Jorge Wong is a California Licensed Psychologist with nearly three decades in the behavioral health and human services field, including over 15 years in management and leadership roles. His clinical focus has been in community mental health, correctional and forensic, crisis and culturally adapted evidence practices with underserved limited English proficient immigrant and refugee populations. Immediately prior to RAMS, Dr. Wong was the Specialty Mental Health Division Director of Asian Health Services (AHS) in Oakland, overseeing the establishment of a Specialty Mental Health Division serving moderate, chronic and severely mentally ill API populations in the Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI), Santa Clara county’s largest community-based health and human services organization focused on Asians, where he oversaw enterprise wide quality improvement, compliance and regulatory functions, as well as managing integrated behavioral health services in primary care, problem gambling, HIV prevention and education, SUD and DUI services, CalWORKs, youth development and prevention, civic engagement, graduate clinical training, professional development, and external relations.

Dr. Wong is a Banana Slug from UC Santa Cruz and graduate from the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University (PAU). He completed his APA Internship at Cermak Health Services of Cook County DOC-Rush Presbyterian-Isaac Ray Center. He has served on the American Psychological Association’s Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice (CAPP), Committee of Professional Practice and Standards (COPPS), State Leadership Committee (SLC), and the editorial board for Psychological Services, the journal for Div. 18: Psychologists in Public Service. He is Past President of the California and San Francisco Psychological Associations, Board member of the California Psychology Internship Council (CAPIC), Trustee and Adjunct Faculty at PAU, consultant to the U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division, and past member of the Consumer and Family Leadership Council of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. He has also served in advisory roles to the California Office of Problem Gambling, Kaiser Permanente’s Research Project of Genes, Environment and Health, the City of San Jose Office of the Independent Police Auditor and various international mental health organizations. Most recently he received the 2016 Okura Community Leadership Award by the Asian American Psychological Association and the 2015 Community Heroes Award: Mover and Shaker, by the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Board.

In his spare time he mentors underrepresented graduate students emphasizing that psychology is not just about practice and research but advocacy, policy and leadership. He encourages the younger generation to get involved professionally and represent the diversity of their respective communities and cultures.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Wong to this significant leadership role at RAMS!

RAMS ​C​o-sponsoring S​eptember 29th SF District 1 Supervisor Candidates Forum!

RAMS is serving as one of the community sponsors for this upcoming San Francisco District 1 Supervisor Candidates Forum. Hope you can join us!

​

WHEN: ​Thursday, September 2​9, 2016,​ 6:​0​0pm - ​9:00pm

WHERE: ​Alamo Elementary School,​ 250 23rd Ave,​ SF

WHAT: ​2016 ​San Francisco ​District 1 Candidates Forum​, hosted by the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco​

​

View the Facebook Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/188758071535123/

Co-Sponsoring Organizations: ​Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), Asian Family Support Services​, ​Community Youth Center (CYC)​, ​Golden Gate Village​, ​Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco​, ​Jobs with Justice San Francisco​, ​Richmond Area Multi-Services (RAMS)​, ​Richmond District Neighborhood Center​, ​Richmond District Senior Center​, ​Richmond District YMCA​, San Francisco Tenants Union

CARF Re-Accreditation for Hire-Ability Vocational Services

The Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) surveyors visited RAMS Hire-Ability Vocational Services on December 11 & 12, 2013 for our re-accreditation. The accreditation is a process that demonstrates a provider has met standards for the quality of its services. In the recent survey outcome report, CARF noted that RAMS/Hire-Ability achieved the maximum 3-year accreditation (through January 2017) following services:

• Community Employment Services: Employment Support
• Community Employment Services: Job Development
• Employee Development Services
• Employment Planning Services
• Employment Skills Training Services

Also, CARF surveyors made no recommendations with the report stating "this is an extraordinary accomplishment, as only 3 percent of CARF surveys result in no recommendations." Other survey report highlights include:

• Organization has a strong recovery focus, resulting in high satisfaction and outcome scores
• Clear culture of creativity, intellectual curiosity, innovation, and ongoing positive improvements
• RAMS is recognized national leader in providing culturally sensitive services

We are so very proud for having achieved consecutive three-year reaccreditations and, with the most recent survey, having no recommendations.

The CARF family of organizations currently accredits close to 50,000 programs and services at more than 22,000 locations. More than 8 million persons of all ages are served annually by more than 6,500 CARF-accredited service providers. CARF accreditation extends to countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. This prestigious accreditation signals a service provider's commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community. Click HERE to read more about the accreditation process.

In The News: San Francisco Achievement Collaborative Team (SF-ACT)

On October 15th, RAMS took a lead role in the launch event for the San Francisco Achievement Collaborative Team (SF-ACT).  SF-ACT is an innovative juvenile drug court treatment program, a partnership among RAMS; the San Francisco Superior Court; San Francisco Unified School District; the Juvenile Probation Department; the Department of Children, Youth and Families; the Department of Public Health; the Office of the District Attorney; the Office of the Public Defender; Catholic Charities CYO; and Seneca Center’s AIIM Higher program. The program is located at the Civic Center Secondary School, 727 Golden Gate Avenue.

RAMS SF-ACT Program Manager Richard Zevin speaks to some of the attendees,
including San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon (at far right)

RAMS is the lead treatment provider in this collaborative, and will start to provide individual, group, and family services following the end of the school day on October 21st. The launch event was an opportunity for the many different agencies involved to celebrate the beginning of a program unlike any other in the nation – a program that we hope can become a model for the nation.

(Right to Left) SF-ACT Program Manager Richard Zevin, LCSW; SF-ACT clinical staff Ernest Brown, PhD, and Danae Carvacho, MS, (not pictured: Dennielle Kronenberg, MA), and RAMS Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Wellness Centers Kristin Chun, LMFT.

SF-ACT focuses resources on rehabilitation, collaborative team decision-making, an emphasis on therapy and recovery, and a commitment from youth and their families to undergo an intensive outpatient treatment program designed to end the cycle of substance abuse and delinquent behavior.

Here is a feature presented by KTVU Channel 2 News, which covered the event:



If you are unable to view the video, click HERE to be redirected to KTVU's website.

To read the full text of the video transcription, click HERE.

The National Conference on Mental Health: A Wrap-up

To receive more background information on the National Conference on Mental Health, held at the White House on June 2, 2013, click HERE.

The White House Blog also provided a write-up of significant events at the conference, click HERE to read their post.

Watch President Obama's Opening Remarks at the Conference:

"The brain is a body part too; we just know less about it.  And there should be no shame in discussing or seeking help for treatable illnesses that affect too many people that we love.  We've got to get rid of that embarrassment; we've got to get rid of that stigma."

-President Barack Obama 

RAMS, Inc. was honored to take part in this important conversation and national advocacy on mental health.  We are more than ever committed to this cause and will continue to work with other organizations, healthcare providers, advocates, and consumer groups locally, statewide, and nationally in order to raise awareness, reduce the mental health stigma, and reach out to those with mental health issues in need of support.  We want to insure that mental health is an integral part of healthcare delivery - there is no health without mental health!

The Obama Administration also launched a new online resource MentalHealth.Gov, aimed to provide one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information.  We encourage you to visit this website and share this great resource with others.

RAMS at the White House National Conference on Mental Health

RAMS CEO Kavoos G. Bassiri was an invited attendee to the National Conference on Mental Health, held at the White House on June 3, 2013.  Here are some pictures from the event:

President Barack Obama addresses the guests and the nation:






Panel presentation and discussion facilitated by U.S. Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at White House Mental Health Conference:



Kavoos G. Bassiri with former Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, who was also a chief sponsor of Mental Health Parity Act:


With Dr. Alvin Alvarez, Associate Dean at San Francisco State University and RAMS Board member, and Daphne Kwok, Chair at the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders and Executive Director of Asians and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California



Mental Health Conference at the White House

RAMS President & CEO Kavoos G. Bassiri, LMFT, CGP, will join President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden for a conference on mental health for launch of a national dialogue to reduce stigma and address the barriers that prevent people from seeking mental health services because of the shame, fear, and secrecy associated with mental illness & their treatment.

On Monday, June 3, 2013, President Obama and Vice President Biden are hosting this conference to discuss how state, local and tribal governments, mental health advocates, educators, health care providers, faith leaders and consumers can collaborate to eliminate mental health stigma so that the millions of Americans suffering from mental health problems will not hesitate to seek help.  Also, President Obama has asked U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to launch a national conversation to increase understanding and awareness about mental health.

“While millions of Americans struggle with mental health problems, those who need help are too often afraid to ask,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney stated at a White House press briefing on May 15.  Mr. Carney further emphasized that the conference on June 3 will focus on helping those struggling with a mental health problem recognize the importance of reaching out for assistance.

RAMS is truly honored to be invited to participate in the White House conference and join this national dialogue & advocacy effort. 

Click HERE for more details about this exciting event.

Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day 2013

 May 10

First established in 2010 by the State of California and the City & County of San Francisco, Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day recognizes the importance of raising awareness about mental health and promoting mental wellness in the Asian Pacific American community. 

Approximately 25% of Americans in a given year are impacted by mental health conditions regardless of gender, age, race, religion and socioeconomic status, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Asian & Pacific Islanders (A&PIs) specifically make up one of the fastest growing ethnic communities in the United States, yet they have the lowest rates of utilization of mental health services among ethnic populations, which may be due to the substantial stigma that exists (since many individuals and families remain in denial or silence about their situation) as well as cultural & linguistic isolation of the community, family, and individual. These disparities indicate the critical need to raise awareness & talk about mental health, de-stigmatize seeking help, and increase access to & support culturally competent/relevant services for the Asian American & Pacific Islander community.

For more information on Asian American and Pacific Islander mental health facts, check out the NAMI Multicultural Action Center HERE.

Resolution presented by Senator Leland Yee to the CA State Senate in April 2010,
establishing Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day on May 10 statewide

"This measure would recognize May 10, 2010,

and each May 10 thereafter, as
Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day,

and acknowledge the importance of
raising awareness about mental health
in the Asian Pacific American community."


The establishment of Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day was an effort spearheaded by RAMS along with California State Senator Leland Y. Yee, Ph.D. and San Francisco Board of Supervisor (District 1) Eric Mar.  It was overwhelmingly supported by many major associations and community coalitions. Since May is already established nationally as the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and as Mental Health Awareness Month, institution of this day in the month of May more closely aligns both awareness efforts. 

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee at a RAMS event in 2011
honoring Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day

San Francisco District 1 Supervisor Eric Mar at a RAMS event in 2011
honoring Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN MAY 2013

RAMS is excited to announce some of the following events recognizing Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day!

May 10, 10:00am-12:00pm at Chinatown Public Health Center, 1490 Mason Street, San Francisco: A panel presentation & gathering of public officials, healthcare professionals, Bay Area local & national leaders, community advocates, stakeholder institutions/ organizations, and educators & researcherson to discuss issues of detecting and addressing mental health concerns in primary care & non-mental health care settings. Details HERE.

May 10, 8:30am - 4:30pm at St. Mary's Event Center, 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco: A training on cultural and clinical consideration in working with Filipino-Americans with mental health issues, presented by Dr. Jei Africa.  View the flyer by clicking on the image at right to enlarge (right-click and select any options to "Open").

The CAAEN Leadership Group is launching their "it's ok" campaign to bring attention to and promote awareness of mental health issues in the Asian community. Details HERE.

The city of Austin, Texas, has followed San Francisco's lead and proclaimed May 10, 2013 as Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day in Austin.  Special events have been scheduled, including this training presented by the Asian Behavioral Health Network of Austin.

Also on May 10, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and The White House Office of Public Engagement are hosting an AAPI Briefing on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health.  [UPDATE: Click HERE for the article "Raising Awareness about Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the AAPI Community" by Larke N. Huang)

Sharing Stories About The Asian Pacific American Experience & Mental Health

Ramey Ko shared a personal & inspiring story related Asian American Mental Health, in honor of Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day and the Friends Do Make A Difference campaign to raise awareness & destigmatize mental health in high school students in 2012. Mr. Ko is currently a Commission Member of the White House AAPI Initiative, and is an Associate Judge of the City of Austin Municipal Court.

  



Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day Over The Years

A sampling of some of the events held in previous years:

In 2012, RAMS collaborated with National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), and its partner interTrend Communications, in their national Friends DO Make a Difference campaign.This creative and collaborative outreach effort provided and distributed messages via TV, online social media, and promotional events at high schools that focus on the importance and power of being a friend for someone facing mental health challenges.

On May 9, 2012, local public radio station KALW 91.7 FM aired a three-part series on Asian American mental health issues during the Crosscurrents news show.  RAMS is honored to have been asked to contribute and assist in the making of this noteworthy program. The entire series was heard on air at KALW 91.7FM, but is also available online at www.kalw.org.

On May 10, 2012, Hyphen Magazine wrote an article in honor of Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day: AAMM (the column's author) revisits their roots and considers the impact of a mantra like "It Gets Better" in the article titled "Deciding Not To Bail".

On May 10, 2011, an all-day training event "Asian Pacific American Mental Health: Knowing Our Roots and Growing Beyond" was held in San Francisco, featuring  an esteemed panel of presenters that are recognized leaders, trailblazers, and legends in the field of mental health and working with Asian Pacific Americans.

On May 9, 2011, the College of San Mateo presented an Asian Pacific American Mental Health Awareness Panel, featuring a panel presentation from RAMS staff about the importance of mental health and culturally-competent services in the A/PI community, working in the mental health profession, as well as challenges and issues specific to the A/PI communities.

RAMS is looking forward to many more years of raising awareness about Asian Pacific American Mental Health!



Honoring Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day

Please join us in honoring

Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day

May 10

(May is also the National Mental Health Awareness Month

and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month)

In honor of Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day on May 10^th, Richmond Area Multi-Services, Inc. is proudly joining many others in the community at a press conference to discuss the issues of detecting and addressing mental health concerns in primary care & non-mental health care settings. 

 

WHEN: Friday, May 10th from 10:00am to 12:00pm

WHERE/HOST: 
Chinatown Public Health Center
San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH)
1490 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
               
WHAT: Join public officials, healthcare professionals, Bay Area local & national leaders, community advocates, stakeholder institutions/ organizations, and educators & researchers who will gather to recognize Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day

Oftentimes, those with mental health concerns first present to primary care & non-mental health care providers; however, many health professionals in primary care and other healthcare professions may have challenges in recognizing, diagnosing, and treating these conditions effectively due a variety of factors. There is an additional challenge for the Asian American community, as literature indicates that these individuals tend to seek help from their primary care practitioner rather than mental health professionals. If mental health problems are not treated, they can worsen or prevent recovery from the medical conditions. At this press conference/community event, experts in health care will engage in a discussion about the challenging factors we face in this regard, what needs to be & can be done, and how they have effectively & innovatively integrated services so that there is comprehensive assessment and coordination between mental health and non-mental health care professionals.

SPEAKERS:
Peter Ng, MD, Pediatrician, Chinatown Public Health Center, SFDPH
Tung Thanh Nguyen, MD, Commissioner, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders; Clinical Professor, UCSF School of Medicine
Irene Sung, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Community Programs, SFDPH; Medical Director, Community Behavioral Health Services, SFDPH
Ho Luong Tran, MD, MPH, President & CEO, National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians
Albert Yu, MD, MPH, MBA, Director, Chinatown Public Health Center, SFDPH; Clinical Professor, UCSF, Department of Family and Community Medicine
    

Moderated by: Helena Chan, MD, Medical Director, RAMS, Inc.

This event is sponsored by RAMS.

UPDATE: The panel speakers at the press event:




L-to-R: Drs. Helena Chan, Peter Ng, Tung Thanh Nguyen, Irene Sung, Ho Luong Tran, and Albert Yu

 

About Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day

 
 Approximately 25% of Americans in a given year are impacted by mental health conditions regardless of gender, age, race, religion and socioeconomic status, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).  Asian & Pacific Islanders (A&PIs) specifically make up one of the fastest growing ethnic communities in the United States, yet they have the lowest rates of utilization of mental health services among ethnic populations, which may be due to the substantial stigma that exists (since many individuals and families remain in denial or silence about their situation) as well as cultural & linguistic isolation of the community, family, and individual.  These disparities indicate the critical need to raise awareness & talk about mental health, de-stigmatize seeking help, and increase access to & support culturally competent/relevant services for the Asian American & Pacific Islander community.

The establishment of Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day was an effort spearheaded by RAMS along with California State Senator Leland Y. Yee, Ph.D. and San Francisco Board of Supervisor (District 1) Eric Mar. 

First established in 2010 by the State of California and the City & County of San Francisco, it recognizes the importance of raising awareness about mental health and promoting mental wellness in the Asian Pacific American community.  It is overwhelmingly supported by many major associations and community coalitions.  Since May is already established nationally as the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and as Mental Health Awareness Month, institution of this day in the month of May more closely aligns both awareness efforts. 

 
We are pleased to share that the City of Austin in Texas, has proclaimed May 10^th as Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day this year.  Also, The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and The White House Office of Public Engagement are hosting an AAPI Briefing on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health on May 10^th.  San Francisco Department of Public Health is holding an all-day training on May 10^th focused on working with Filipino-Americans. There are many other outreach activities being held on this day.

Participating in the International Study of DSM Cultural Formulation Interview

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the handbook written by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and used by health care professionals as an authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders, is now in the process of finalizing its 5th addition. RAMS, Inc. is proud to serve as the San Francisco site for the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Field Trial, studying the newly proposed Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI). This key addition to the Manual has been created to help clinicians more effectively assess cultural aspects of psychiatric diagnosis. In collaboration with UC Davis, RAMS is one of about a dozen sites in this international DSM-5 Cultural Formulation field trial study being led by the Center of Excellence for Cultural Competence at the New York State Psychiatric Institute with support from the American Psychiatric Association.

In the CFI, culture refers to the values, orientations, assumptions, and perspectives that may be influenced by an individual's membership in a social group or by aspects of an individual's background, such as ethnicity, class, race, language, and religion. The Cultural Formulation Interview focuses on assessing these cultural aspects of the patient's presentation and treatment expectations in order to make clinical care more culturally appropriate. Thus, unlike the standard patient history assessment, whose agenda of topics and direction is usually set by the clinician, the CFI attempts to address problems from the patient's standpoint. RAMS is excited to have been the site utilizing the Chinese language translated version of the CFI in order to better assess its content, clarity, and effectiveness within a particular ethnic and linguistic group.

From the Press Release from American Psychiatric Association: “As with every stage in this thorough development process, DSM-5 is benefiting from a depth of research, expertise and diverse opinion that will ultimately strengthen the final document," noted David J. Kupfer, M.D., chair of the DSM-5 Task Force. Feedback about the proposed changes, diagnostic criteria, and updates can be submitted through www.DSM5.org, which will be available until the comment period ends June 15. After that, the site will remain viewable but will be closed to comments as the Work Groups and Task Force complete revisions and submit criteria for evaluation by the Scientific Review Committee and the Clinical and Public Health Committee. The Task Force will then make final recommendations to the APA Board of Trustees. The final version of DSM-5 is expected to go before the Board of Trustees in December 2012. A more detailed update on the development and list of changes made to draft proposals since July 2011 can be found on www.DSM5.org.

A Letter from Congressman Honda

Congressman Michael M. Honda, Representative of the 15th Congressional District of California and Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, sent a letter to RAMS in support of the events on May 10 regarding Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day.

View the letter by clicking on the image below to enlarge (right-click and select any options to "Open").

Honoring Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day on May 10th

SAN FRANCISCO – Richmond Area Multi-Services, Inc. (RAMS) is proudly joining many others in the community to honor “Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day” on May 10^th, as first established in 2010 by the State of California and the City & County of San Francisco, to recognize the importance of raising awareness about mental health and promote mental wellness in the Asian Pacific American community.

Approximately 25% of Americans in a given year are impacted by mental health conditions regardless of gender, age, race, religion and socioeconomic status, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).  Asian & Pacific Islanders (A&PIs) specifically make up one of the fastest growing ethnic communities in the United States, yet they have the lowest rates of utilization of mental health services among ethnic populations, which may be due to the substantial stigma that exists (since many individuals and families remain in denial or silence about their situation) as well as cultural & linguistic isolation of the community, family, and individual.  A&PI girls have the highest rate of depressive symptoms of any racial/ethnic or gender groups, according to a study released by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI, February 2011).  A&PI women ages 15-24 have also been shown to have a higher rate of suicide than Caucasians, African Americans and Latinos in that age group (Center for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics).  According to another study, A&PI college students report higher levels of depressive symptoms than white students (NAMI 2011).  These disparities indicate the critical need to raise awareness & talk about mental health, de-stigmatize seeking help, and increase access to & support culturally competent services for the Asian American & Pacific Islander community.

In the honoring of Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day in 2012, RAMS is pleased to be collaborating with the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), and its partner interTrend Communications, in their national Friends DO Make a Difference campaign.  This creative and collaborative outreach effort will provide and distribute messages that focus on the importance and power of being a friend for someone facing mental health challenges. This project grew out of the successful What A Difference A Friend Makes campaign, created by the US Department of Health and Human Service’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  With the support and encouragement of SAMHSA, this project has tailored the message, art work and approach of the SAMHSA campaign to make it relevant to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.  RAMS will focus on outreach to the youth population and help to pilot this project among high school students in San Francisco.   

Please join us at a special event on this day.

WHEN: Thursday, May 10th from 9:30am to 10:30am

WHERE: George Washington High School, 600 32^nd Ave, San Francisco

WHAT: Join public officials, school district representatives, Bay Area local & national leaders, community advocates, stakeholder organizations/institutions, educators, and youth who will gather to recognize Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day and learn about the Friends DO Make a Difference campaign

HOSTS:

Richmond Area Multi-Services, Inc.

National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), a non-profit organization with the mission to promote the mental health and well being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

George Washington High School, a four-year comprehensive San Francisco public high school dedicated to the philosophy that every student entering its halls has the right to an education to maximize his/her potential

Click HERE to view & download the press release.

Email info@ramsinc.org for more information.

The establishment of Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day was an effort spearheaded by RAMS along with California State Senator Leland Y. Yee, Ph.D. and San Francisco Board of Supervisor (District 1) Eric Mar.  It was overwhelmingly supported by many major associations and community coalitions.  Since May is already established nationally as the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and as Mental Health Awareness Month, institution of this day in the month of May more closely aligns both awareness efforts. 

RAMS congratulates the Champions of Change

My Linh Vo, a clinical psychology student at JFK University who is also currently volunteering at the RAMS Asian Family Institute, was chosen as one of the White House AAPI “Champions of Change”. Her story was selected as part of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders' "What’s Your Story" Video Challenge. She writes about her experience, which you can read by clicking HERE.

As released from the White House, Office of Communications:
In the Fall of 2011, the White House launched the “What’s your story?” video challenge. The challenge aimed to highlight the personal stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country who have impacted their community through their dreams, experiences, and dedication to a cause. The White House received over 200 videos and 35 essays. From these entrees, the nine inspiring leaders were chosen to represent their communities as part of White House’s Champions of Change program.
The Champions of Change represent the millions of Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders who are making a difference in their community, many of whom continue to make a difference without being formally recognized. The nine leaders and organizations have stood out as demonstrating exceptional leadership in civil rights, immigration, community empowerment, LGBT engagement, anti-bullying, health, and the arts. Their work has been an integral part ensuring that the underserved among them are given a voice.
“These nine champions have demonstrated what it means to be a force of inspiration and change in their communities. It is because of their work that the AAPI community is as strong as it is today. And it is their leadership that will enable us better address the various needs of the underserved,” said Director of the Office of Public Engagement Jon Carson. “We are delighted to have them here at the White House to honor them for the work that they do.”
The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities. On April 5th, the nine AAPI Champions will be honored for their work, and engage in a discussion about the work they have done to inspire their communities.

My Linh Vo is currently a doctoral student in clinical psychology at John F. Kennedy University in California, Vo is developing her skill set to provide culturally-responsive services to underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized individuals and families. She is passionate about her profession, rooted in her Vietnamese American immigrant background, and proud of her family history. She hopes to honor her family, teachers, mentors, friends, and many others who have come into her life through her community involvement, leadership, and advocacy work.

DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Field Trial

RAMS, Inc. is proud to serve as the San Francisco field site for the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Field Trial. In collaboration with UC Davis, we are excited to participate, as one of the 12 field sites in this international DSM-5 Cultural Formulation field trial study. 
You can read the article by clicking on the image below to enlarge (right-click and select any options to "Open").

National Problem Gambling Awareness Week

RAMS is actively participating in National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, which is being held from March 4-10 this year.

As part of our ongoing outreach and awareness-raising efforts, Dr. Eddie Chiu, Director of RAMS Asian Family Institute, together with Kent Woo, Executive Director of NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, participated in a press conference held by NICOS at Donaldina Cameron House regarding Problem Gambling in the Chinese Community.

 

The press conference revealed new data which indicates a 10% increase in the number of Chinese seeking assistance in gambling-related problems, which signifies that the Chinese community has increased awareness of such problems, although overall usage is still relatively low compared to other population groups.  Issues such as youth gambling as well as success rates in gambling addiction were also discussed.

For more information and to view video coverage of the press conference, visit the KTSF Channel 26 website HERE.

RAMS collaborates with NICOS in offering problem gambling services, which provides assessment, counseling, support groups, outreach, and educational services for problem gamblers and their family members in the Asian American communities. The project also operates the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-968-7888 and provides counseling, information and referral in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin languages/dialects.

Integrated Care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities: A Blueprint for Action

RAMS is excited to be able to share with our community the official copy of the Integrated Care for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Communities: A Blueprint for Action: Consensus Statement and Recommendations.  This document truly represents a group effort, which RAMS was delighted to be a part of, and the Blueprint reflects years of dedication by so many individuals & organizations who have given to improving the quality of care for our communities.  The document was published, in January 2012, by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, and authored by DJ Ida, Ph.D., Janet SooHoo, MSW, and Teresa Chapa, Ph.D., MPA.  It was an honor for RAMS to be invited to participate in this process.  In addition, several staff from RAMS assisted & volunteered at the expert consensus meeting & summit that was held in San Francisco, hosted by National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association.  Please feel free to distribute this document so we can all build on the recommendations, educate stakeholders/providers/decision makers, and take action!

Click HERE to read the document online.

RAMS Lends its Support!

RAMS is pleased to be a co-sponsor and community supporter for two upcoming community events:

2011 San Francisco Mayoral Candidates Forum

WHEN:  Wednesday, September 28 6:30pm - 8:30pm

WHERE:  Chinese Culture Center, 750 Kearny Street (3rd floor of the Hilton Hotel), SF

WHAT:  Presented by Chinese for Affirmative Action, this event will be moderated by: Vincent Pan, Chinese for Affirmative Action; Sarah Wan, Community Youth Center; and Kwokshu Leung, KTSF 26
MORE INFO:  www.caasf.org  

Co-Sponsoring Organizations: Chinese Culture Center; API Budget Coalition; SF Rising Alliance; and Gay Asian Pacific Alliance 

Advancing Justice Conference 2001: Strengthening the legacy of Asian American and Pacific Islander Activism

WHEN:  October 27-28, 2011. 

WHERE:  Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

WHAT:  This 3^rd Annual Conference includes exciting workshops: 1) Civil and Human Right, 2) Capacity Building, 3) Youth Leadership & Community Organizing, and 4) Immigrant Integration & Civic Participation.

MORE INFO:  http://advancingjustice.org/conference/2011/

U.S. Office of Minority Health invites RAMS CEO to first-ever Roundtable Discussion

Kavoos G. Bassiri, RAMS President & CEO, was invited by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health (OMH) to participate in OMH’s first-ever roundtable discussion on addressing health and behavioral health needs through integrated care for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders titled, Integrated Care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities: A Blueprint for Action.

OMH and its partner, the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), hosted a two-day meeting (8/15-8/16, 2011) with the goal to bring together a diverse group of health and behavioral health professional and key stakeholders to examine the role of integrated care as a formidable method of care delivery for AANHPI populations, and to formulate recommendations and next steps.  To achieve this goal, OMH and NAAPHIMA, listened to leaders in the field, learned about new and emerging practices, and together formulated recommendations and consensus statements that would be utilized to lay the groundwork for how to approach integrated care for AANHPI populations in the U.S.

Among the participants also included Dr. Alvin Alvarez and Dr. Jean Lau Chin, who serve on the RAMS Board of Directors and the Board's Advisory Council, respectively.  They were invited separately, on their own, for their community involvement and expertise.

RAMS is thankful to OMH and NAAPIMHA to have had the opportunity to be part of this process!

New Resources on AAPI Mental Health Released by NAMI

RAMS is excited to share the recent multi-lingual fact sheets on mental illness issues among the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, released by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This was the result of Listening Session (which we blogged about in November 2010), where RAMS President & CEO Kavoos G. Bassiri joined 20 other participants to discuss the unique needs of the AAPI community.

This new series of NAMI fact sheets are now available in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese with the following titles:

• Mental Health Issues among Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities
• Mental Health Issues among Asian American and Pacific Islander Children and Youth
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Mental Health: A Guide on How to Get Support for Your Loved One
• Recovery for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Living with Mental Illness

Also, a special “thanks” went out to Dr. Jei Africa, RAMS, and NAMI New Jersey's Chinese American Mental Health Outreach Program for their contributions to the development of these new resources.

Visit www.nami.org/aapi to access these new informational resources focused on mental health recovery and support of AAPI adults and youth with specific consideration of cultural factors. Materials were released in honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month 2011.