Office of Inclusive Excellence Monthly Highlights - May
Welcome to may!
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month
AANHPI individuals have been pivotal in advancing medical research and public health innovation. For example, Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask, a Native Hawaiian scholar and activist, helped shape Indigenous and environmental justice movements, while Dr. Vivek Murthy, a second-generation Indian American, served as the U.S. Surgeon General. Yet, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have some of the highest rates of diabetes and heart disease, and certain Asian subgroups face disproportionate burdens of liver cancer and stroke. (National Health Council)
Haitian-American Heritage Month
Haitian Americans have a rich legacy of health activism, including Dr. Marie Flore Lindor-Latortue, who advocated for immigrant health equity in Florida. Haitian-led organizations such as Haitian Americans United provide culturally informed care and education. However, Haitian immigrants are still less likely to receive timely cancer screenings, less access to medications such as PreP, and often face language and insurance barriers in U.S. healthcare systems. (PMC Article 1, PMC Article 2)
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
Observed globally on May 17, IDAHOBIT marks the 1990 World Health Organization decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. While LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face high rates of discrimination and mental health disparities—68% of LGBTQIA+ youth have contemplated suicide in the past year—this day also honors global progress and leadership. Advocates like Dr. Rachel Levine and Imara Jones are advancing inclusive health and policy, while GW’s LGBTQIA+ Resources and the GW Student Health Center support affirming spaces on campus.
Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish Americans have contributed profoundly to public health and social justice, from Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine, to Dr. Ruth Westheimer, who revolutionized sex education and mental wellness discourse. However, rising antisemitism has contributed to increased stress, anxiety, and trauma within Jewish communities. Addressing these impacts requires culturally competent care and ongoing community support and interactions with faith leaders. (APA)
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health is foundational to student success, yet many face challenges that go unaddressed. Financial insecurity, academic pressure, social isolation, and discrimination all contribute to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout among college students. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 4 adults lives with a mental illness, with access to care significantly lower for students of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. At GW, efforts like the CAPS peer support groups, and Student Affairs' Wellbeing programming aim to reduce stigma and connect students to care.
Where We Take Action
At GWSPH, we are committed to addressing these disparities through research, education, and community partnerships. Below are some of many opportunities to engage around campus and the community:
Support Health Initiatives
Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO):
AAPCHO promotes health equity for AANHPI communities through language-accessible care, community-based research, and policy advocacy tailored to immigrant and refugee populations.
Blue Dove Foundation:
The Blue Dove Foundation works to address mental health and substance use in the Jewish community through educational resources, community programming, and faith-informed advocacy efforts.
National Haitian American Health Alliance (NHAHA):
NHAHA advances health equity in Haitian communities across the U.S. by improving access to care, supporting community-based health initiatives, and shaping culturally responsive health policies.
The Jed Foundation:
The Jed Foundation protects emotional health and prevents suicide among teens and young adults by equipping schools, families, and communities with tools to build mental wellness and resilience.
The Trevor Project:
The Trevor Project provides life-saving crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth, while advocating for inclusive mental health policy and research.
Engage Locally
Asian American LEAD (AALEAD):
AALEAD empowers low-income and immigrant Asian American youth in the DC area through culturally responsive mentorship, mental health programming, and identity-based leadership development.
Haitian Americans United (HAU):
HAU supports the Haitian diaspora in the DC area through civic engagement, cultural heritage events, and health education initiatives that address immigrant health equity.
Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA):
JSSA provides trauma-informed counseling, mental health care, and disability services, with specialized support for individuals impacted by antisemitism, grief, or chronic illness in the Greater Washington region.
NAMI DC (National Alliance on Mental Illness – DC Chapter):
NAMI DC offers peer-led mental health education, support groups, and advocacy programs tailored to the needs of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities across Washington, DC.
SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders):
SMYAL provides affirming mental health services, leadership training, and housing support for LGBTQ+ youth in the DC region, focusing on empowerment and community safety.
The Arc of DC:
The Arc of DC advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting inclusion, rights, and access to essential support services.
Honoring Public Health Leaders
Public health is shaped by the work of dedicated individuals who challenge inequities, drive scientific discovery, and advocate for marginalized communities. This month, we recognize leaders who have made lasting contributions to health, disability rights, and scientific advancement.
Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask – Native Hawaiian scholar, poet, and activist who championed Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and decolonized approaches to public health and education. She passed away in 2021.
Dr. Jean Pape – Director of GHESKIO Centers in Haiti and Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, renowned for his leadership in HIV/AIDS treatment, cholera response, and health systems strengthening in Haiti.
Dr. Loune Viaud – Chief Gender and Social Equity Officer at Partners In Health, recognized for establishing Haiti’s first women's health center and advocating for women's rights and healthcare access.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer – Pioneering sex therapist, author, and media personality who transformed public conversations on sexuality, mental health, and trauma recovery. She passed away in 2024 at the age of 96.
Imara Jones – Transgender journalist and founder of TransLash Media, whose storytelling work dismantles anti-trans narratives and amplifies the voices of trans people of color.
Dr. Vivek Murthy – Served as the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, leading national efforts to address youth mental health, social connection, and community resilience.
These trailblazers exemplify the power of advocacy, research, and policy change in shaping a more equitable public health landscape. We encourage you to learn more about their work and explore ways to engage in efforts that promote health equity and justice for all.
upcoming events
SEAS Earth Month Booth
During Earth Month, explore engineers' critical role in protecting our planet. Every Wednesday in April, visit the first floor of SEH for a snack and a fact highlighting the sustainable solutions pioneered by engineers. Learn more about the engineering innovations that are helping to create a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future!
What's Happening Around Campus
in the news
Long-term Benefits of Lifestyle and Metformin Interventions in Reducing Type 2 Diabetes over 21 Years in the US Diabetes Prevention Program Study
April 29, 2025
The U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program, or DPP, reported on April 28 the 21-year follow-up of this randomized clinical trial showing that the original intensive lifestyle intervention reduced the development of diabetes by 24% and metformin reduced diabetes development by 17%.
GW's Inaugural Open Source Conference
April 11, 2025
GW’s Open Source Program hosted its inaugural Open Source Conference with Keith Crandall, professor in DBB, as the keynote speaker as highlighted in the GW Today.