West LA Times

A recent report highlights the mental health and financial challenges faced by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) during the COVID-19 pandemic in California. The research, based on a survey of over 900 NHPI adults conducted from January 2024 to May 2024, reveals a significant gap in accessing available assistance programs.

The report states that key stressors for NHPIs during the pandemic included health concerns (43.9%), financial issues (38.8%), and impacts on family (37.6%), among other concerns. "Nearly 75% of NHPI adults had never sought professional help for emotional or mental health problems in their lifetimes," it finds.

A concerning 17% of NHPIs reported delaying or avoiding mental health care in the last year despite 33.9% needing it. Barriers to care included cost, lack of insurance, stigma, and limited availability. Brittany Morey, the report’s lead author, stressed, “Our report helps address a data gap that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community leaders have expressed.”

In terms of coping strategies, 53.2% of respondents relied on communication with loved ones, while others turned to activities such as meditation and engaging in family activities. The report shows that only 26.8% of NHPI adults had sought mental health care during their lifetimes.

Economic impacts were also severe, with more than 25% facing difficulties fulfilling basic financial needs, including rent and groceries. "More than 1 in 3 NHPI adults reported a decrease in household income since the COVID-19 pandemic," the report says.

Despite these struggles, "fewer than expected NHPI adults were able to access financial assistance, even when they were eligible," Calvin Chang, director of the NHPI Data Policy Lab, notes. Audrey Kawaiopua Alo underscores the importance of the report stating, “The importance of CAPIWAVES is that the data was gathered from community, by community, for community."

The research was a collaborative effort by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research’s NHPI Data Policy Lab, UC Irvine, and UC Riverside. It underscores the need for targeted policies and programs to address the unique challenges faced by NHPIs. "This report illustrates the powerful insights we gain from data disaggregation," said Ninez Ponce, director of the UCLA CHPR.