Since 2000, the Center for Asian Health (CAH) at Temple University has been a leader in advancing population health. Our mission is to understand and improve health outcomes among certain populations, including Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities — particularly in under-resourced areas — across the lifespan. We do this through rigorous scientific research, education, evidence-based interventions and community outreach and collaboration.

Our multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, behavioral scientists, medical doctors, and policy experts. Together, we develop culturally relevant, sustainable, and scalable solutions to health challenges facing AANHPI and other underserved communities. To address population health disparities, we partner with community organizations, health care providers, and academic institutions.

Through robust outreach and engagement, we co-create community-driven programs and interventions that promote health and well-being in both urban and rural areas. These efforts include patient navigation programs, health screenings, and health promotion initiatives that translate research into real-world solutions.

We have a long-standing commitment to community-based participatory research (CBPR) and patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). Our research, education, and community-engaged programs span cancer prevention and control, chronic disease management, infectious diseases, behavioral health, and other pressing public health issues, ensuring lasting, practical impact.

Our approach to population health includes:

• Research: We lead interdisciplinary efforts to conduct large-scale epidemiological studies, clinical trials and implementation research. We identify barriers to care and evaluate interventions to improve screening, prevention, treatment, healthy lifestyles and health outcomes.
• Community engagement: We work hand-in-hand with local and regional partners to co-design and implement programs that reflect community needs and build community capacity to sustain long-term health and well-being.
• Education, training and mentorship: We train the next generation of population health leaders through certificate programs, hands-on experience, and mentorship. Our curriculum incorporates cutting-edge tools like AI and machine learning, along with foundational skills essential for impactful research and practice.
• Evidence-based practice: Our studies inform clinical guidelines and population health strategies that deliver measurable improvements in outcomes for at-risk and underserved communities.

Most importantly, the Center for Asian Health works with communities to turn science into practical solutions that reach people where they live, work, and seek care. Real change begins with knowledge, action, and collaboration. Together, we can drive innovation, strengthen communities, and improve lives.

Whether you are a student, collaborator, and/or supporter, please join us in this mission to create meaningful change in population health outcomes for all.

Grace X. Ma, PhD 
Founding Director, Center for Asian Health