There is growing recognition within the Asian American, and specifically the Taiwanese community, that mental health is one of the most neglected yet essential issues in advancing human development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Positive mental health is linked to a range of development outcomes, including better health status, higher educational achievement, enhanced productivity and earnings, improved interpersonal relationships, better parenting, closer social connections and improved quality of life. Positive mental health is also fundamental to coping with adversity. On the other hand, poor mental health impedes an individual’s capacity to realize their full potential, work productively, and make a contribution to his or her own community.

For this reason, TAP-LA is proud to present an open panel and forum discussion on mental health and development. Please join us for an afternoon of refrehments and conversation as we take on the challenges of understanding mental health conditions, health coverage and professions, and break down the stigmas concerning mental illness that exists in our community.

We will be welcoming several local mental health professionals and members of the community to come answer questions and discuss their experiences in the field of mental health. This free event is open to the public!

Schedule:
2:00 – Presentation
2:45 – Panel
3:30 – Q & A
3:45 – Meet & Greet

Speakers:
Gloria Hou, R.N. received her B.S. in Pharmacological Chemistry at UCSD and a B.S.N. at Arizona State University. Her experience includes service with AmeriCorps, a civil non-profit organization that strives to solve community problems in the areas of education, public safety, health and housing. Following clinical training at Arizona Heart Institute, she geared her focus towards cosmetic and plastics with a preceptorship at Mayo Clinic. Afterwards, she decided it was time to return home where she now works as a clinical educator. Her rich and varied professional career has carried over into her commitment for community involvement as she has served as an Ambassador to the 2015 Miss Taiwanese American Pageant and helps run the Health & Wellness program for the Taiwanese American Professionals, Los Angeles chapter.

Emily Wu Truong is widely known as “Lady in Green” for bringing attention to the lime green ribbon representing California’s Mental Health Movement “Each Mind Matters.” She is an advocate working to alleviate the stigma on mental health, mental illness and suicide. She serves as a member of the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) SGV Board of Directors, Disability Rights California’s PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Advisory Council, & Client & Family Leadership Committee for the MHSOAC (Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission) in Sacramento. Emily has become a role model for many, delivering her message that with help, there is hope, and that helplessness is not hopelessness.

Kai-En Kyle Chou grew up in Cerritos, California and later attended California State University of Long Beach. Kyle graduated with a BA degree in American studies, but still felt a passion to work in the mental health community. Currently, Kyle works as a Case Manager at Asian Pacific Family Center in Rosemead, CA. Gaining experience working at Asian Pacific Family Center, Kyle plans on pursuing a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology to help empower those in need even more so. Kyle also volunteers for TACL’s Leadership Identity Development (LID) Camp, where he helps to foster camper’s leadership skills along with their Taiwanese identity.

Christine Hsu, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who works with Asian American children and families. With proficiency in Mandarin, English, Cantonese, and Taiwanese, she has been a strong advocate for providing culturally sensitive and competent mental health care. She received her Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Hsu has spent her professional career working for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Asian Pacific Family Center, Santa Anita Family Service, Taipei Mental Rehabilitation Association, and the Heart Keeper, Inc. She focuses on serving the underserved and disenfranchised while relentlessly working with children and their families who have experienced abuse and trauma.

Sponsors:

NATMA Taiwanese Health Professionals- – Southern California ChapterNorth America Taiwanese Women’s Association II (NATWA II) and Alhambra Lion’s Club.