Kansas City Asian American Health & Wellness Conference 
English Sessions 2023
 

Working Through Trauma | Eriko Her, MA, T-LPC, Psychotherapist
Tuesday May 23, 2023 11:15 a.m. - Noon CST (English w/ Mandarin interpretation)
Many of us have experienced trauma in our lives. Because of the stigma of seeking mental health services in the Asian community, Asians often do not seek counseling or therapy. When left unaddressed, the effects of trauma can manifest as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mental illness as we get older. Come learn about the symptoms of anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We will explore mental health illnesses from both a psychological and neuropsychological standpoint. Are you or a family member struggling? This session will discuss the benefits of and when to seek therapeutic treatment. We will also discuss how mental health impacts the quality of life and relationships with our friends and family members.

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Eriko Her, MA, T-LPC graduated from the University of Saint Mary in December of 2022. She decided to pursue her counseling degree after acknowledging the need for mental health awareness in the Asian community. Eriko believes that the Asian community experiences a lot of mental health challenges. But it's not provided with many resources to heal from it. Therefore, she chose to become a counselor in hopes to educate others on the challenges of mental health and to provide a place for people of different ethnic origins to share their experiences. Eriko is a mom, a temporary licensed professional counselor, and an advocate for mental health. 

Day 2: Wednesday May 24th

Caregiving for Seniors | Steven Mak, R.N., Nurse

Wednesday May 24, 2023 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. CST (English w/ Cantonese interpretation)

Wednesday May 24, 2023 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. CST (English w/ Korean interpretation)

Caregiving for seniors can be very difficult emotionally, mentally, and physically. This session is specifically designed for caregivers and family members of seniors. Steven Mak, R.N. will share practical tips for caregivers and family members of seniors with declining memory and special health care needs. Come learn how to support your loved one's health while also taking care of your own health.

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Steven Mak, R.N. has been a Registered Nurse at The University of Kansas Health System for the past 12 years working in the operating room. Prior to that, he has experience in caring for family and grandparents which influenced his decision to go into the medical field. 

Community Services for Seniors & Healthy Aging | Tim Wholf, Director

Johnson County Aging and Human Services Department

Wednesday May 24, 2023 11:15 - Noon CST (English w/ Mandarin interpretation)

Do you live in Johnson County, Kansas? During this special Healthy Aging Session, Tim Wholf, Director of the Johnson County Aging and Human Services Department will share about the many services and programs available for seniors living in Johnson County. The Johnson County Aging and Human Services department manages programs and activities that support the independence, dignity and self-sufficiency of Johnson County residents. These services and opportunities primarily target older adults, people with disabilities, low-income families and other residents who require assistance. 

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Tim Wholf is the Director of the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.  Prior to joining Johnson County in April 2022, Tim had a 32 year career working for the State of Missouri. Tim spent 25 years working for the Department of Corrections with the Board of Probation and Parole. After leaving Corrections, Tim worked for the Department of Mental Health Division of Developmental Disabilities.  As a Regional Director, Tim worked with his staff and providers to ensure the needs of the individuals they served were being met. Tim is a member of the Johnson County Public Health Leadership Council and the Kansas City Metropolitan Elder Abuse Task Force. Tim continues his passion for working with older adults and vulnerable populations and focuses on residents living their best life possible. 

Day 3: Thursday May 25th

Mental Health Stigma Among Asian-Americans | Thao Le, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Thursday May 25, 2023 8:15 - 9:00 a.m. CST (English w/ Vietnamese interpretation) Thursday May 25, 2023 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. CST (English w/ Cantonese interpretation)
According to the American Psychological Association, Asian-American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are least likely to seek mental health services than any other racial/ethnic group. AAPIs face a number of unique barriers to seeking mental health services, including culture, health literacy, and limited access to care among others. Thus, the learning objectives of this seminar are to: explore the causes of stigma surrounding mental health in Asian-Americans; its impact on their health; and what we can do to break mental health stigma.

Thao will also share about the medical, dental and behavioral health services available through Health Partnership Clinic where everyone is welcome with or without insurance. Health Partnership Clinic has five clinic locations: Olathe, Overland Park, Shawnee Mission, Paola and Ottawa. 

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Thao Le, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health illnesses. Thao earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Newman University, Wichita, Kansas in 2018. In 2022, she received a Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University, St. Louis, Missouri. She has been in practice for a little under a year at Health Partnership Clinic in Olathe, Kansas where she delivers medication management and medication-assisted treatment.

For as long as Thao could remember, she always strived to make a difference. She was inspired to pursue a career in the field of mental health when one of her family members experienced a mental health crisis. She witnessed a missed opportunity for healthcare providers to educate her Vietnamese American family and to destigmatize their negative perceptions of mental illness. Thus, Thao set on the path toward eliminating racial mental health disparities by delivering culturally competent care to both patients and their families, breaking stigma within minority populations, and integrating resources within their communities to improve access to care.