From 626 to 949: Exploring Stigma, Mental Health, and Healing in Asian American Communities April 13 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Department: Minor in Medical Humanities

Date and Time: April 13, 2018 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Event Location: Winifred Smith Hall, Claire Trevor School of the Arts

Event Details


From 626 to 949: Exploring Stigma, Mental Health, and Healing in Asian American Communities
626 (San Gabriel Valley) and 949 (Orange County) are two Southern California area codes that represent some of the most concentrated Asian American population in Southern California.  With the growing AAPI student population on campus, mental health is an issue that needs serious attention. The stigma in Asian American communities and the “model minority” rhetoric suppress the desire of AAPI students to seek help. What kind of challenges do the 626-born, 949-bound AAPI students have today?  How do we encourage the traditionally “self-sustainable” model minority student body to participate in the conversation on mental health and utilize campus resources if necessary?  Other than professional help, can we imagine creative arts and nurturing food be the alternative means for healing?

Date:  Friday, April 13, 2018

Time:  4:00-9:00 PM

Location: Winifred Smith Hall, Claire Trevor School of the Arts (map)

Symposium (4:00-6:00pm)

4:00-4:15         Welcome by Daphne Lei, Professor of Drama

4:15-4:55         626 Stories (panel presentation)

This panel focuses on an original opera project based on a true tragedy happened in the 626 area.

Panelists include Lisa Dring (Librettist), Shih-wei Wu (Composer, UCI), and Hannah Chodos (Director)

5:00-6:00         Surviving & Thriving in 949 (panel presentation)

This panel focuses on the mental health concerns on the UCI campus and resources available (both professional and alternative) for helping students.

“Wellness and Health for the ‘Model Minority’

Dr. Phong Luong (Graduate Division Academic Counseling Manager)

“Food for the Mind, and Food for the Body”

Dr. Yong Chen, Professor, History Department

Dinner Reception (6:15-7:15)

6:15-7:15         Chilling and Healing with Asian Comfort Food (light dinner reception)

Performance (7:30-8:45)

7:30-8:45         Model Minority Syndrome (performance by Theatre Woks)

Performance of an original play written by Deni Li, based on interviews conducted at UCI, presented by Theatre Woks, directed by Kelley Ho, and supervised by Daphne Lei. A post-show discussion with playwright, dramaturg, director, and actors will follow the performance.

This project is sponsored by the UCI Medical Humanities Initiative and the Department of Drama.