Meet the Team: Riana Tadeo, Program Coordinator, Infectious Diseases
Welcome to our blog series, “Meet the AAPCHO Team,” where you’ll have a chance to get to know our staff! Meet Riana Tadeo, Project Coordinator, Infectious Diseases, as they answer some questions.
What’s your role at AAPCHO?
Program Coordinator of Infectious Diseases, supporting the Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance (TEA)
What are three Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander health topics that you think people should know about?
Mental health wellness and stigma is a significant issue within the AA and NH/PI communities. There are oftentimes societal pressures and cultural beliefs that discourage individuals from seeking mental health services. Language barriers and lack of culturally competent care are other factors that can interfere with individuals’ abilities to access the care they need.
Diabetes is another prevalent health concern among AA and NH/PI populations. Contributing factors to elevated risk and rates of diabetes among these populations include genetic, dietary, and socioeconomic factors. Addressing diabetes in these communities requires targeted interventions and increased access to healthcare resources.
AA and NH/PI communities are also disproportionately affected by tuberculosis (TB). TB is a serious respiratory infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs such as the kidneys and brain. Stigma and limited healthcare access can play a role in delayed diagnosis and treatment of TB. Continued education and funding of TB efforts is needed in order to reduce TB prevalence and improve health outcomes among these communities.
How would you describe what community health centers do and why they should support them to someone who may not be familiar with them?
Community Health Centers (CHCs) are community-based healthcare facilities that typically provide affordable and accessible medical services to underserved populations and communities. Services can range from (but not limited to) primary care, mental health services, dental care, and family planning services. It is vital that we support CHCs in providing these comprehensive medical services in order to address and understand the unique health needs of our local communities. They play a crucial role in promoting health equity by ensuring everyone, regardless of their background and financial status, has access to quality healthcare.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position at AAPCHO?
I am excited to learn more on how we can support our CHCs and coalition partners. I also look forward to supporting our new iteration of TEA and see how we can continue to positively impact policy change.
What is your favorite or go-to childhood comfort food?
Champorado! It is a Filipino, sweet chocolate rice porridge I would often eat for breakfast growing up.
