Meet the Team: Dionne Nguyen, Communications and Membership Services Assistant

Welcome to our blog series, “Meet the AAPCHO Team,” where you’ll have a chance to get to know our staff! Meet Dionne Nguyen, Communications and Membership Services Assistant, as she answers some questions.

What’s your role at AAPCHO?

I am a Communications and Membership Services Assistant on the Development & Public Affairs team.

What are three Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander health topics that you think people should know about?

I think people should know more about how deeply generational trauma affects Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. With immigration, displacement and conflict, comes great trauma that affects not only the generation that went through it, but also generations following. Without supportive resources and proper care, inter-generational trauma can lead to a variety of health issues, such as mental illness, substance-use abuse, and greater propensity to illnesses due to weakened immune systems. Seeking interventions such as therapy or holistic care is a great initial step for families affected by generational trauma to heal and prevent further negative impacts on future generations.

How would you describe what community health centers do and why they should support them to someone who may not be familiar with them?

To me, community health centers are prime locations for those who are seeking healthcare and access to resources that are not readily available to them. Community health centers focus on providing services and resources that are considerate of the population they serve. Patients who come from underserved communities or experience barriers to healthcare can find support at their local community health centers. Supporting community health centers is important because it serves as a key resource for many who need access to affordable, accessible, and adequate healthcare.

What are you most looking forward to in your new position at AAPCHO?

In my new position at AAPCHO, I am most looking forward to learning about how I can support AAPCHO in all that it does for community health. I am excited to lend my skills and experiences to promote and elevate AAPCHO’s presence on social platforms and within the media.

What is your favorite or go-to childhood comfort food?

My favorite childhood comfort food is a Vietnamese braised pork belly dish called thịt kho. My mom makes it with quail eggs and it’s rich, sweet, and savory. My mom grew up poor so this dish was only a treat on special occasions like Lunar New Year. However, she makes it for my family regularly which I am very grateful for!