Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Medical Center Hosts 6th Annual Mental Health Expo Focusing On Asians Americans

March 17, 2016

As the number of people with dementia continues to climb, Holy Name Medical Center held its 6th annual mental health expo for Asians Americans, a population that often faces stigma and shame when dealing with the disease. Mental health specialists were on hand Saturday, March 12 to discuss the progression, symptoms, and treatment options for people with all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

In many Asian American families, feelings of shame triggered by mental illness lead to denial, which drives many Asian American immigrant families to keep the disease a secret rather than seek early intervention and treatment. Holy Name is working hard to provide resources to these families and to encourage them to seek help.

"Holy Name has become a national model in delivering culturally sensitive medical services for people of all traditions," said Michael Maron, President and CEO of Holy Name. "We recognize the challenges Asian families affected by dementia, and Alzheimer's in particular, may be facing and we are pleased to help individuals and families bridge language and cultural barriers to get the mental health services they need."

Holy Name has hosted a Mental Health Expo since 2001, geared at the beginning for the Korean population. With the creation of Asian Health Services at the medical center, the expo has expanded to include all members of the Asian American population. An Asian Dementia Center has also been formed, which provides screenings and comprehensive diagnostics for those who believe they may have the onset of dementia.

"We believe that early detection and treatment are key in helping to slow the progression of the disease and in managing dementia-related issues," said Kyung Hee Choi, Vice President, Asian Health Services at Holy Name. "The Mental Health Expo and Asian Dementia Center are instrumental in getting word out to the community that mental health is not something to be ashamed of."

Click to access AHS-Mental-Health-Expo photos.