HEALTHmattersMD

During AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate the diversity of AAPI people, cultures, languages and traditions that enrich our community. 

We also want to ensure that HPSM’s providers are aware of how we can better serve our members who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander through improving our members’ health care experiences, increasing utilization of preventive health services, building trust and partnership with members, and reduce disparities among different member populations.  

Throughout May, we’ll raise awareness about the history of AAPI leaders in our community and their contributions to San Mateo County. We’ll also focus on enhancing our AAPI members’ healthcare experiences by:

• Encouraging people to use their HPSM benefits and get preventive care. 
• Promoting trust and partnership between our AAPI members and providers.
• Highlighting our Population Health initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare disparities affecting our AAPI members. 

Local support resources for the AAPI community

HPSM proudly partners with San Mateo County Health’s Office of Diversity and Equity to reduce health disparities for different populations in our community. Their Behavioral Health and Recovery Services division offers various APPI-focused initiatives that work to achieve health equity and connect members with helpful resources, including: 

• The Chinese Health Initiative, which facilitates collaboration between groups that are working to improve the health and wellbeing of San Mateo County’s Chinese community.
• The Filipino Mental Health Initiative, which improves the well-being of Filipinos in San Mateo County by reducing the stigma around mental health, increasing access to services and engaging people through outreach.
• The Pacific Islander Initiative, which addresses health disparities within San Mateo’s Pacific Islander community and connects eligible families with resources and services they may not know about.

HPSM programs and materials

HPSM programs help members manage their health. For example, HPSM Medi-Cal and CareAdvantage members with pre-diabetes are eligible for our Diabetes Prevention Program. This evidence-based 12-month lifestyle change program can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. To learn more, including how to join, visit the program webpage, call HPSM’s Health Education Unit at 650-616-2165 or talk with your primary care provider (PCP).

HPSM materials are available in Chinese and Tagalog on our website, including:

• HPSM's Guide to Food Assistance Programs, which organizes all the County's nutrition support resources in searchable categories.
• Diabetes Health Tips, which has evidence-based information to help people manage their diabetes and stay healthy.  
• Mental Health Tips, which explain how to recharge, get therapy and develop a more positive mindset. 
• Quit Tobacco Use Health Tips, which offers guidance and resources to help those who smoke, vape or chew break the habit. 

To read materials in Chinese or Tagalog, choose your preferred language in the upper-right corner of any HPSM website page (including this one). If you need materials in another language, call Member Services at 1-800-750-4776.