RECOGNIZING MAY AS ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER (AANHPI) HERITAGE MONTH AND MAY 10, 2026 AS AANHPI MENTAL
HEALTH AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Herita ge Month is observed during the month of May to recognize the contributions and influence of AANHPI communities on the history, culture, and achievements of the United States, and to raise awareness of important issues affecting these communities, including mental health; and
WHEREAS, the month of May was selected to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, the majority of the workers being Chinese immigrants, including but not limited to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities; and
WHEREAS, citizens of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent represent more than 35 percent of Palo Alto’s population and are part of the more than 6 million AANHPI individuals residing in California, making these communities an invaluable part of the rich fabric of our City and State; and WHEREAS, for more than 200 years, AANHPI individuals have lived and worked in the United States and have made significant contributions across all sectors, including the economy, culture, education, government, the arts, law enforcement, the military, literature, s cience, and technology, despite institutional and systemic injustices that have been designed to silence and cover up these achievements and contributions; and WHEREAS, May 10, 2026, is recognized as AANHPI Mental Health Awareness Day, highlighting the need to increase awareness of mental health, reduce stigma associated with seeking care, and improve access to culturally and linguistically responsive services within AANHPI communities, which continue to experience some of the lowest rates of mental health service utilization among all racial and ethnic groups, due in part to stigma as well as cultural and linguistic barriers faced by individuals, families, and communities; and WHEREAS, raising awareness about the mental health of all individuals, and this month, especially of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities past and present, encourages professional interest in health and human services careers and fosters a diversified workforce that reflects the community.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Vicki Veenker, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and recognize May 10, 2026 as AANHPI Mental Health Awareness Day, and encourage all community members to celebrate the contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, and reaffirm the City of Palo Alto’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community, supporting culturally responsive mental health resources and well-being for all residents.
Presented: May 11, 2026
______________________________
Vicki Veenker
Mayor
Proclamation