​PEERS Healing from Our Pasts and Expectations Program (HOPE) is designed to address mental health stigma in the Asian American community in Alameda County. Much like our BWR program, HOPE’s main strategies to achieve this goal include outreach, media, and empowerment. The campaign consists of wellness groups to educate Alameda county residents about effective tools to reduce their own self-stigma towards mental health. We also have a Stigma Reduction Committee (SRC) committed to assist with outreach for campaign events, and Content Experts to support and enhance our curriculum to be culturally responsive to the needs of the community. Asian American youth 18-24 years old are highly encouraged to apply and join our programs. 

About Mental Health in the Asian American Community

​Asian Americans are a growing population in California. California has the largest population of Asian Americans compared to the rest of the United States. In addition to their large presence in California, they are the fastest growing ethnic population in the state. This demonstrates how there is a need for Asian American services in California. Services are needed that understand the cultural needs of the diverse population. In Alameda County, there is a need to support Asian American mental health in the Bay Area county. According to Alameda County Behavioral Health Services, Asian Americans consist of more than 30% of Alameda County’s population. However, less than 3% of mental health consumers identify as Asian American. This shows how Asian Americans are not receiving the mental health services available in the county. There are multiple barriers that prevent them from receiving treatment including mental health stigma, lack of education, and culturally relevant services. 

To learn more about the campaign,
​programs, or to join a group

Please contact Program Coordinator Maileen Mamaradlo
(she/hers/siya)
at mmamaradlo@peersnet.org