CHANNEL: Asian

JudyAnn Bigby, MD, secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) for Massachusetts, wants healthcare institutions held accountable for their quality of care to patients of color.

She spoke to NEWz about this and other issues, following the Nov. 28 release of the state report, "Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities by EOHHS Regions in Massachusetts."

Adil Najam, professor of international relations at Boston University, and M. Saud Anwar, founder and past president of the Pakistani American Association of Connecticut, spoke about the future of Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party and her two terms as prime minister with relatively unremarkable accomplishments.

New Hampshire's only Hindu temple is in the midst of bitter legal and financial battle with its lender, which intends to finally evict its creditor.

Que Chi Nguyen, 16, finds herself in a balancing act as a "quiet, obedient Vietnamese girl" and a "loud, headstrong American."

Leader Bank, the only Indian-owned bank in New England, opens a fourth branch this month, in Belmont, Mass., reports India New England.

The Asian American Commission of Mass. unveiled a plan for a first-time-ever statewide needs assessment. The plan calls for town meetings; focus groups to explore healthcare, economic development, education and other sectors; and a statewide survey, says New England Korean Alliance Press.

Navjeet Bal, an attorney, has become the first minority to be appointed to head the Mass. Department of Revenue. Bal was born in Kenya to Punjabi parents. She immigrated to the U.S. 30 years ago, reports India New England.

Boston, Jan. 24, 2008 – Gov. Patrick appointed 10 community leaders to the new Commonwealth Service Corps Board, which will oversee his statewide volunteer efforts.

Boston Councilor Sam Yoon (in photo to left), the only Asian on the city council, has been appointed by Howard Dean (left), chair of the Democratic National Committee, to the DNC's Rules Committee, reports NEKorean.com.

Asians around the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year, which begins on Feb. 7 this year. Korean Alliance Press explains the meaning of this year's animal, the rat.

Check the NEWz CALENDAR for local New Year events. See "PARTICIPATE" to submit your event photos.