UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Collaborative

11/12/2025

After the conference last week, WAVES was proud to join advocates from across the country at the Rally for the Public’s Health at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the American Public Health Association (APHA), the event spotlighted urgent issues like mental health, violence prevention, and health equity.

Our team is alway proud to stand in solidarity for public health, amplifying the message that community wellness and prevention deserve national priority🏥❤️

11/12/2025

It's , and here's 5 facts to know about this invaluable group:

1️⃣ Family caregivers are a vast and growing force. More than one in four U.S. adults now serve as a family caregiver—a staggering 45% increase since 2015.

🔗https://www.johnahartford.org/resources/view/national-alliance-for-caregiving-caregiving-in-the-us-2025-report

2️⃣ Many AAPI caregivers live in co-residential or multigenerational households. According to a 2021 report, 51% of AAPI caregivers reported living in the same home as their care recipient, significantly higher than Non-Hispanic White caregivers (36%).

�https://caringacross.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NAC_AmgenDiverseCaregiversReport_FinalDigital-112121.pdf

3️⃣ AAPI caregivers often face unique cultural, linguistic and relational dynamics. In many AAPI families, caregiving draws on deeply-rooted values such as filial piety, intergenerational connection and collective responsibility. At the same time, research shows that AAPI caregivers report less access to culturally-responsive support: e.g., fewer information resources in their primary language, less outreach from providers, and greater reluctance to seek help due to stigma.

�https://caringacross.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NAC_AmgenDiverseCaregiversReport_FinalDigital-112121.pdf

4️⃣ Caregiving often takes an emotional, physical and financial toll—especially for those balancing work and family. Caregivers report higher incidences of stress, lower self-rated health, and impacts on employment. For example, among AAPI caregivers only 41% rated their health as “good or excellent”, down from 60% in 2015. Furthermore, 16% of AAPI caregivers reported having to begin working, increase work hours, or take a second job due to financial strain—double the rate of Non-Hispanic White caregivers.

�https://caringacross.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NAC_AmgenDiverseCaregiversReport_FinalDigital-112121.pdf

5️⃣ Support systems make a measurable difference for caregivers. Studies show that caregivers who access support groups, respite care, and culturally-tailored community programs report significantly lower stress and better overall health outcomes. For AAPI caregivers, culturally-specific supports—such as programs offered through community centers, faith organizations, and language-accessible counseling—can reduce isolation and strengthen coping skills.

�https://caringacross.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NAC_AmgenDiverseCaregiversReport_FinalDigital-112121.pdf

To all the family caregivers out there, we applaud you for your compassion and selflessness, and we hope that same love and care is reflected back to you. For more information, or to access resources specifically for family caregivers, visit the link below⬇️

https://www.caregiveraction.org/family-caregivers-introduction-caregiving/

11/11/2025

Today, we honor those who have served our country with courage, dedication, and resilience. Their commitment reminds us of the strength that comes from service and the healing often required following sacrifice.

Heartbreakingly, veterans are among those most disproportionately affected by mental health struggles—but help is available. Below, you can find a link to VA mental health services to fit you or your loved one's needs⬇️

https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/

At UCA WAVES, we recognize the deep connection between service, wellness, and community. To every veteran: thank you for your courage, your compassion, and your continued impact in and beyond uniform💙🇺🇸

11/11/2025

Learn about su***de prevention, including risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do.

11/09/2025

Looking to learn a little bit about mental health but not sure where to start? Or maybe you need diagnosis-specific resources to help yourself or a loved one. We've got you covered! Under the "Resources" tab on our website, you can now find a page dedicated to just that—tools tailored to what you're looking for, accompanied by a list of common mental health disorders and their respective definitions. Because sometimes, to get the help you need, you need help getting there first.

We hope you find this new page insightful, and we look forward to expanding our Resources Hub! Click on the link below to view now⬇️

https://ucawaves.org/tailored-resources/

This page provides information on a variety of mental health disorders, offering an overview of each condition along with resources tailored to support understanding, treatment, and recovery. Wheth…

11/09/2025

What an inspiring day at the AANHPI Youth Mental Health Summit!🏞️💙

Held by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and hosted by Commonwealth Club World Affairs, multiple members of our team were in attendance, with our very own Program Manager, Reid Bowman, and WAVES advisor, Juliana H. Chen, a part of the event itself!

We learned critical risk factors for youth mental health challenges among AAHNPI youth such as pressure to succeed. Thank you TAAF for your ground breaking study, Beyond the Surface, which you can check out at this link: https://www.taaf.org/youthmentalhealth

We want to give a huge thank-you to the many voices who made the day so impactful, including Rupesh Shah, COO of Crisis Text Line, who reminded us that while AANHPI individuals make up 8% of the U.S. population, they represent 25% of those reaching out for help through Crisis Text Line. It’s stats like that that speak to the importance of convenings like these, and we’re honored to carry this momentum forward into our own work.

Here’s to continuing to build spaces where data, dialogue, and lived experience meet⚒️

11/07/2025

Every day, millions of across the U.S. provide essential care and for loved ones living with illness, disability, or aging-related needs. is an act of love—but it can also be emotionally, physically, and financially demanding.

In many Asian American and Pacific Islander ( ) families, caregiving is deeply rooted in cultural values like and collective responsibility. While these traditions foster closeness and connection, they can also lead to unique challenges, such as stigma around asking for help, limited access to culturally competent , or pressure to balance caregiving with work and school.

Recognizing and supporting is vital for community well-being. This month, we honor their resilience, compassion, and quiet strength, and we encourage open conversations about , self-care, and shared responsibility in caregiving.

If you or someone you know is a caregiver, resources like the Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org) and the National Alliance for Caregiving (caregiving.org) offer education, , and culturally responsive tools to help lighten the load.

This let's take time to thank, support, and stand with those who look after others, because caregivers deserve care, too🌄💜

11/07/2025

Huge congratulations to Ellean Chen, our incredible 15-year-old researcher, for winning the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus’ Best Abstract Student Award at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference! 🏆

Ellean’s achievement is a powerful reflection of mentorship, passion, and the bright potential of our next generation of public health leaders. To say we're proud would be an understatement! The dedicated team of students, volunteers, and staff who came together to support Ellean’s presentation and celebrate this moment embodies the power of community.

A heartfelt thank-you to APIC for investing in youth and uplifting emerging voices in public health. Here's to empowering the next generation of difference makers!🦸🏻‍♀️💜

11/05/2025

This week, members of the UCA WAVES team are attending the American Public Health Association(APHA) Annual Conference, connecting with incredible leaders and changemakers in the field of public health💙

Our Executive Director, Lily, joined inspiring sessions with experts like Dr. Shawn Kneipp from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Nursing, and met up with amazing colleagues and partners from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, including Elaine Tsao, Sanjana Bhakta, and Morgan J. Grant.

We’re especially excited to share that WAVES is in the process of welcoming four new Community Health Workers made possible by the Strong Minds, Strong Communities grant from UNC Greensboro, expanding our capacity to support mental health and wellness in our communities🏘️🧠

It’s been an energizing and inspiring experience to connect, learn, and share our mission alongside so many passionate professionals dedicated to advancing health equity. We can't wait to share more...stay tuned!☎️

11/05/2025

Our newsletter, The Breaker, went out yesterday! If you're not on our list, fear not: our website has links to all past editions😉 Better yet, sign up today so you're always in the loop on all things WAVES!

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11/05/2025

We kicked off November attending the 5th Annual Taste of China Festival in Downtown Cary!🇨🇳🎉

Hosted by the Chinese American Friendship Association - CAFA NC and Town of Cary, NC, the event was filled with authentic food, beautiful performances, and incredible community spirit. From traditional dance and music to over 80 local vendors, the day was a vibrant celebration of culture and friendship.

We’re so grateful to have been part of such a meaningful event that celebrates diversity and brings our community together💛

11/04/2025

It's !🗳️ Your voice matters. Today’s the day to make it heard. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape our communities and our future locally, statewide, and nationally.

As President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."

Whether you’re heading to the polls or have already voted early, take a moment to encourage a friend, classmate, or family member to do the same. Collective voices create meaningful change!🇺🇸