UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Collaborative

06/17/2026

We wanted to pass along this amazing from our friends at the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP). They recently announced their new program, Pride Pathways: Su***de Prevention for LGBTQ+ Communities and Allies!🩵🏳️‍🌈

is a 90-minute presentation designed to deepen understanding the impact of ***de on the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're a part of the ***rcommunity or a staunch ally, if you're interested in fostering supportive, inclusive, and affirming environments that promote LGBTQ+ , this tool is for you. You'll learn to...

✅ Describe how su***de affects the
✅ Recognize su***de , protective factors, and warning signs
✅ Identify how to create protective environments for LGBTQ+ communities at home, , and work
✅ Start a conversation with someone you’re concerned about
✅ Identify LGBTQ+ ***deprevention resources

In celebration of , AFSP is hosting a preliminary, national of Pride Pathways on June 25. Here's everything you need to know:

⏰ When: June 25th, 2026 | 8:30 PM EST
💻 Where: Zoom link will be sent upon registration
🙋🏻‍♀️ Register: https://tinyurl.com/34yx7a7a
📨 Questions? Contact [email protected]

We remain inspired by the incredible work being done at AFSP. Learn more about the initiative at the link below!⬇️

https://afsp.org/story/new-public-resource-for-lgbtq-su***de-prevention-launched-this-pride-month

This LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP), the largest private funder of su***de prevention research, is hosting its first national public presentations of Pride Pathways: Su***de Prevention for LGBTQ+ Communities and Allies on June 15 at 4 p.m. ET and June 25 at...

06/17/2026

The other week, our Executive Director, Lily Chen, participated in the 2026 UNC Greensboro (UNCG) Community Research Symposium’s Role Play discussion on community leadership, equity, and collaboration!📊😊

For the discussion, Lily represented the Executive Director of the fictional Highland Folk Community-Based in the city of Green Acres. The scenario centered on a refugee-led organization that received a transformational $25 million gift, inviting participants to consider how organizations, institutions, and funders can collaborate to ensure resources are used equitably and effectively.

Alongside community leaders, , and advocates from across , Lily engaged in discussions about what happens when communities come to the table as co-equals and how organizations can across sectors to create more equitable opportunities for and communities.

We are deeply grateful to UNCG and all participating organizations for fostering meaningful dialogue and inspiring new for community-driven . It's amazing what can happen when we come together. Let's carry this energy throughout the !📆☀️

Want to learn more about WAVES' ? Click on the link below!

📲 https://ucawaves.org/research-corner/

06/15/2026

June marks Pride Month, and we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge how q***r identity intersects with mental health💚🧠

Within the ***rcommunity, Asian Americans are often overlooked. Despite having played a pivotal role in advancing + rights in the US, they continue to face dual oppression: racism and homophobia, including stigma from within their own cultures. This discrimination has contributed to a growing crisis among this population.

🔇A Crisis Hidden in Silence🔇

A 2021 study revealed that nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ youth had seriously considered su***de in the past year. Another done in 2023 revealed that more than 50% experience symptoms of anxiety and depression (The Trevor Project). Unfortunately, adults are not spared, as they are twice as likely to suffer from depression compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers (NAMI, 2020).

👁️Multiple Layers of Invisible Constraint👁️

In the US, Asian Americans are often boxed into the , which dismisses both their and hardships. On top of that, in many Asian families, ***ridentity may be seen as a disgrace due to traditional beliefs, forcing people to navigate between “coming out” and “filial piety”.

🚧Systemic Neglect and Cultural Barriers🚧

is still heavily stigmatized in many Asian cultures, where the fear of “losing face” prevents people from seeking . Only 8.6% of Asian Americans seek professional mental health care, a rate which is far lower than that of other racial groups (SAMHSA, 2019). A systematic review (Chu, 2024) shows that despite training for providers (APA Multicultural Guidelines, 2017), many still report experiencing even during . Language barriers and cultural stigma make accessing care even harder. Yet, their resilience shines. From street protests to policy , or creative artwork to mutual support, ***rAAPI are rewriting their own narratives through solidarity and actions.

This Pride Month, we call for…

🩵 : Reject one-dimensional labels. Embrace the full identities of q***r AAPI!
💜 : When someone comes out to you, start by listening, not judging.
💙 : Challenge the systems that marginalize q***r and AAPI voices, no matter where–at home, at work or with peers. Be an active ally!

Happiness & belonging aren’t privileges—they’re human rights.

🏳️‍🌈Hapy from UCA WAVES!🏳️‍🌈

06/11/2026

We are grateful that findings from our Identifying North Carolina AAPI Health Priorities were featured at the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at Duke University.

This work would not have been possible without the trust and partnership of community members and organizations across . We extend our sincere thanks to Karen refugee community leader Htoo Saw Yaw, the Karen Community Advisory Committee, and our 12 community partners for their collaboration throughout this project.

As Htoo Saw shared, collecting a single within the could take 2–2.5 hours due to challenges including distrust of , language barriers, and low health literacy. Despite these significant barriers, 114 Karen community members completed surveys that were included in the final , providing invaluable insights into priorities.

We are also deeply grateful to Dr. Paohwa Lin, Ya-Ke (Grace) Wu, Wenxin Bian, Ling Jin, and Natalie Lor for their outstanding contributions to the survey component of this study.

Finally, thank you to Blue Cross NC Foundation for funding and this important work to better understand and address the needs of North Carolina's AAPI communities. Check out the article at the link below!⬇️

Despite decades of scientific progress, the United States still trails all other high-income countries in longevity and health — a gap that Robert Califf, MD, MACC, said remains the field’s greatest challenge: a failure to deliver what we already know to all populations at scale. His remarks set...

06/10/2026

We wanted to share a quote from an attendee of the recent UCA WAVES Open House that deeply touched us:

"Thank you for inviting me to the UCA WAVES open house. I am grateful that you have created a shared space where AAPI community members and advocates can come together with a sense of belonging.

As I continue reflecting on what identity, belonging, and purpose mean to me, I am also thinking about how to turn that reflection into meaningful action. I was initially drawn to UCA WAVES because of my professional transition from military officer to mental health counselor. What I experienced at the open house, however, felt more personal: a reconnection with a part of my AAPI identity that had not always been as visible in my professional life.

It was the first time in some time that I had been in a room filled with professionals who looked like me and who were openly advocating for mental health and their communities. That left a lasting impression on me. I am grateful for the shared space UCA WAVES has created for AAPI community members and advocates to connect.

I look forward to staying connected and finding meaningful ways to contribute to the community."

This embodies so much of what we aim to do—connect and inspire. The importance of creating spaces where members of our community feel seen and identity is celebrated cannot be understated. Whether it's providers with lived experience advocating for the importance of culturally informed care, or peers offering up their stories and support to demonstrate solidarity, AAPI representation in conversations about mental health remains integral for creating lasting change.

If you're feeling just as empowered as we are after that testimonial, then we want to formally invite you to join us in our mission. Click on the link below to learn how you can get involved and give back today🩵

📲 https://ucawaves.org/support-us-2/

06/09/2026

We've got another exciting session to share about taking place at , our mental health summit held during the 5th United Chinese Americans - UCA Convention🎰

If you're passionate about building healthy , you don't want to miss "Growing Up, Growing Apart, Growing Together: Strengthening Parent-Child Connection." Featuring Mary Shen, MD, MS; UCA WAVES Board Member Yin Yin, PhD; and and development expert, Trung Nguyen, BA, this heartfelt conversation explores how understanding children's and practicing open, judgment-free can help families build trust, navigate challenges, and grow together through every stage of life.

This convening is an incredible opportunity for mental health professionals, , advocates, parents, youth, and members passionate about strengthening the future of mental health care. Has your interest been piqued? Here's everything you need to know:

⏰ When: June 28th - July 1st
🗺️ Where: Caesars Palace, 3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Paradise, NV 89109
📨 Questions? Contact [email protected]
🎟️ Register: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-chinese-american-convention-2

, expand your skillset, make memories, and leave leveled up personally and professionally! Don't miss this once-in-a-decade-event. Click on the link below to learn more!

📲 https://ucawaves.org/uca-waves-2026-summit/

06/09/2026

Wow. Over a week later, and we're still reflecting on the incredible energy shared at WAVES’ recent ! Not only were we celebrating moving into our first office, but closing out a jam-packed & Month.

More than 65 community members, partners, , families, elected officials, advisors, and supporters gathered together, representing 10 diaspora communities, including Hmong, Karen, Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Nepali, and Indian communities. From making and to a recounting of WAVES' history by Executive Director and Founder, Lily Chen, multiple came together in one space, reminding us of what WAVES has always strived to be: a connector.

We were honored to welcome several special guests, including Maria Cervania, NC General Assembly Representative and WAVES Board Member; TJ Cawley, Mayor of Morrisville; Cheryl Stallings, Wake County Commissioner; Shelia Reich from the Blue Cross NC Foundation; Ruby Brown-Herring of RBH Wellness Solutions, LLC and WAVES Advisor; Michelle Barrett, Program Manager for Seniors and Aging with the Town of Cary, NC; Christine Kushner, Wake County Commission candidate; Donald Hughes from the Town of Apex Government; and Mona Singh, Wake County Commissioner candidate. Additionally, we were delighted to welcome Jianping Yang, a board member of the Chinese American Friendship Association - CAFA NC, organizer of Taste of China, and Yun Chuu, President of Asian Focus NC, organizer of the Dragon Boat Festival. UCA WAVES will be a proud of these two major community events!

We are especially grateful for the continued support of the Blue Cross NC Foundation, whose funding helped support the completed two-year Identifying Priorities initiative, the three-year Grant, and multiple small grants supporting wellness programs, internships, and . These efforts reflect WAVES’ ongoing commitment to listening to our , identifying health priorities, and building culturally responsive that support and families.

One attendee made a comment that has stayed with us: they found the overwhelming enthusiasm of our inspiring. Why? Because ten years ago, WAVES began as a dream that no one would struggle alone. Today, we are a multi-dimensional whose hope and passion for creating change is palpable.

To everyone who attended our Open House, who has believed in our work, or played a role in bringing our vision to life, thank you. We’ll never be able to properly express the true depth of our , but we’ll keep trying.

Sincerely,

💙 The UCA WAVES Team 💜

06/05/2026

📋‼️SCHEDULE DROP‼️📋

Great news: the schedule for Community In Action is finally here! Taking place at the 5th United Chinese Americans - UCA Convention, this summit brings together youth, parents, and community leaders for a powerful gathering centered on mental health, wellness, and connection. Here's what you need to know⬇️

⏰ When: June 28th - July 1st
🗺️ Where: Caesars Palace, 3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Paradise, NV 89109
📨 Questions? Contact [email protected]
🎟️ Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-chinese-american-convention-tickets-1917674729739?aff=oddtdtcreator

This is a chance to network, expand your skillset, make memories, and leave Las Vegas leveled up personally and professionally. Don't miss this once-in-a-decade-event. Want to learn more? Click on the link below!

📲 https://ucawaves.org/uca-waves-2026-summit/

06/05/2026

🧠 QPR Su***de Prevention Training

Learn how to recognize the warning signs of su***de and respond with confidence using QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer. This evidence-based training equips participants with practical skills to support someone in crisis and connect them to help.
Be prepared to save a life. Join us!

🧠 QPR 自杀预防培训

学习如何识别自杀风险信号，并运用 QPR（询问、劝导、转介） 技巧进行有效干预。这是一项循证培训，帮助您掌握支持危机中的人并协助其获得专业帮助的实用技能。
学会关键一步，可能挽救一个生命。欢迎参加！

📲 REGISTER: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_cZ7dexKJPyPzebyNYHjVxXyPCtgNAlAKEyL-ER6UFR9C6Q/viewform

***deprevention ***dePreventionTraining

06/04/2026

struggles don't always look the way we expect, and cultural barriers can make it even harder for young people to get the they need.

We wanted to pass along this article by Huaying Wang that highlights the challenges many youth face when experiencing , , and emotional distress, often without the language or to recognize what's happening.

Every young person deserves to be seen and supported, and that's what we aim to do at WAVES🩵🌊

She has straight A’s, a full schedule of Advanced Placement classes, a chair in the youth orchestra and a bedroom wallpapered with college acceptance letters. She also hasn’t slept a full night in months. She lies awake at 2 a.m., convinced she is a burden to her family – and she has no idea h...