LETTER; Asian-American Stereotypes

To the Editor:

''Report Takes Aim at 'Model Minority' Stereotype of Asian-American Students'' (news article, June 10) clearly addresses the harm done by the misguided perception of the model minority as it pertains to education. Unfortunately, the pervasive stereotype also presents challenges in addressing wide-ranging disparities in health coverage and health care services within Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities.

These communities face cultural and linguistic barriers in accessing health insurance and quality care and have higher rates than other ethnic groups of certain preventable diseases, such as hepatitis B and tuberculosis.

Approximately one-third of A.A.P.I.'s live in linguistic isolation, more than one-fifth are uninsured and even more are underinsured. Enriching health care data to provide information particular to the distinct groups within our diverse population and specific to metropolitan statistical areas is the first step in providing policy makers, public health experts, local leaders and service providers with the ability to set priorities and allocate resources to address particular disparities in our communities.

Wayne Ho
Ho Luong Tran
New York, June 11, 2008

The writers are, respectively, executive director, Coalition for Asian-American Children and Families; and president and chief executive, Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum.

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