PRESS RELEASE

AAPCHO Statement on Mass Shooting in Monterey Park

January 23, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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WASHINGTON—The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) issued the following statement in response to the deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park, California. Monterey Park is home to one of the largest Asian American communities in the country, many of whom were celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Jeffrey B. Caballero, MPH, AAPCHO’s executive director, said, 

“We mourn the tragic loss of life at the mass shooting in Monterey Park and continue to wish healing for those who were injured and the entire Southern California community affected by this horrific act of violence. We grieve with their families and loved ones and extend our support in this time of pain.

“This senseless act of gun violence occurred as community members were celebrating the Lunar New Year, a time when many Asian American families, friends, and loved ones gather to celebrate their culture and heritage. We thank the first responders who acted swiftly and all government officials who have expressed their sympathies and offered assistance. 

“Gun violence continues to threaten the public health and safety of all communities and will have a lasting impact on the health of those injured, their families, and loved ones. As the Asian American community grapples with the grief, fear, and trauma associated with this tragedy, we encourage individuals to seek the mental health services they need. We implore our elected leaders to pass laws to increase gun safety and address the systemic drivers of violence and inequities that continue to impact all communities.”

About AAPCHO

AAPCHO is a national association of community health organizations dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States, the U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. For more information on AAPCHO, please visit www.aapcho.org.

Contact 

Kristine Cecile Alarcon, MPH, (510) 671-5054, kalarcon@aapcho.org 

Media Relations

Beverly Quintana
(510) 272-9536 x112
bquintana@aapcho.org

Kristine Cecile Alarcon
(510) 671-5054
kalarcon@aapcho.org

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