AAPI healthcare challenges and solutions

Despite being one of the fastest-growing racial or ethnic minority populations in the United States, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) face several barriers to quality healthcare.

While language barriers and a lack of health insurance both play a role, another key factor is a lack of regular visits with a healthcare provider. About 20% of AAPI people don’t have a personal primary care provider; they also have lower rates of routine preventive care and some screenings compared to non-Hispanic white people.

A lack of preventive care can raise the risk of common chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and more.

Getting regular checkups is a great way to protect and improve your health. Among the many reasons to visit a healthcare provider:

• Your provider can make sure you get recommended screenings on time to find problems like cancer early, when they’re easier to treat
• You can stay up to date with vaccines
• Your provider can track your blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels to monitor your risk of developing conditions like diabetes or heart disease
• You have someone who can help coordinate your healthcare and connect you with specialists, if needed
• Your provider can give you advice and recommendations about how to make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk of developing diseases down the road
• You can ask questions about your health and get educated answers
• You know who to call if you develop symptoms in the future

Many people aren't sure how to find a healthcare provider. If you have health insurance, it’s smart to start with a list of primary care providers in your area who are in-network with your health plan. Ask people you trust for their recommendations as well.

Start your search for the right primary care provider by using the free Walgreens Find Care® tool.

Published April 2023.