FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2016

 CONTACT: Diane Vu
diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov
240-777-8320

Montgomery County Celebrates Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month

Rockville, Maryland – The County’s Office of Community Partnerships will host a resource fair to mark Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month on May 22, 2016, from noon to 4 p.m. in Rockville. County Executive Ike Leggett is scheduled to proclaim May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, at 1 p.m. following the launch of the fair in the Executive Office Building at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville.

This resource fair, organized by the County in partnership with its Asian Pacific American Advisory Group, aims to provide community members a valuable opportunity to learn about free services the County offers in vital areas such as housing, seniors, health care, immigration and  legal services. The event is a strategic outreach effort by Montgomery County to Asian Pacific Americans, its fastest-growing community in recent times. This community represent 15% of the total county population, which is more than triple the national average.

County Asian Liaison & Language Access Coordinator, Diane Vu said the County takes pride in the fact that a significant number of Asian Pacific Americans are thriving in Montgomery County. However, she drew attention to the fact that many community members and their families are still struggling to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers that prevent access to various essential services.

The event which is free and open to the public, intends to assist in some of the critical issues facing the APA community, by reaching out with information and contacts.

For more information or to participate as a vendor and to RSVP, please contact Diane Vu at diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-8320.