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MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN (MENA) CATEGORY
MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN (MENA) CATEGORY
Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans make up about 3.5 million or more in the United States population. Texas has over 249,362 MENA Americans and Bexar County sits as second highest just under Harris County with the highest MENA population of 46,929. Middle Eastern and North African people are also often misrepresented as a homogeneous group, but they are an extremely diverse group, with ethnicities from over 16 different countries. Culturingua is advocating for legislation in Texas for state agencies, boards, and commissions to include a Middle Eastern and North African category, as well as collect detailed data on race and ethnicity. Americans of all backgrounds in this State experience diverse social, educational, health, and economic differences that are unique to their respective communities and are particularly unique to their white counterparts. In an effort to address those inequities, detailed data collection and a MENA category is the first step. Our advocacy efforts extend to the local level in San Antonio, which is why some City departments have already implemented a MENA category in their forms and surveys, but we are still advocating for a city-wide announcement and change.
Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans make up about 3.5 million or more in the United States population. Texas has over 249,362 MENA Americans and Bexar County sits as second highest just under Harris County with the highest MENA population of 46,929. Middle Eastern and North African people are also often misrepresented as a homogeneous group, but they are an extremely diverse group, with ethnicities from over 16 different countries. Culturingua is advocating for legislation in Texas for state agencies, boards, and commissions to include a Middle Eastern and North African category, as well as collect detailed data on race and ethnicity. Americans of all backgrounds in this State experience diverse social, educational, health, and economic differences that are unique to their respective communities and are particularly unique to their white counterparts. In an effort to address those inequities, detailed data collection and a MENA category is the first step. Our advocacy efforts extend to the local level in San Antonio, which is why some City departments have already implemented a MENA category in their forms and surveys, but we are still advocating for a city-wide announcement and change.
HEALTH EQUITY FOR MENA AMERICANS
HEALTH EQUITY FOR MENA AMERICANS
On March 28th, 2024, the Office of Management and Budget announced their revisions to Statistical Policy Directive (SPD) 15, which set the federal standards for data collection on race and ethnicity. This revision includes the addition of the long awaited Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category, and encourages federal agencies to also collect detailed data within those categories (ex: Lebanese, Palestinian, Egyptian, etc.). Even though this is a huge win, the work is barely starting. We must ensure federal agencies develop plans to collect detailed data and that the Office of Minority Health conducts a study on MENA and Arab Americans. It has already been proven through various private research, our community is disproportionately affected at a higher rate by diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer, and heart disease. With the implementation of a MENA category across state and local levels, health professionals can bring visibility to Arab Americans and develop the resources needed to address the culturally and linguistically appropriate measures.
On March 28th, 2024, the Office of Management and Budget announced their revisions to Statistical Policy Directive (SPD) 15, which set the federal standards for data collection on race and ethnicity. This revision includes the addition of the long awaited Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category, and encourages federal agencies to also collect detailed data within those categories (ex: Lebanese, Palestinian, Egyptian, etc.). Even though this is a huge win, the work is barely starting. We must ensure federal agencies develop plans to collect detailed data and that the Office of Minority Health conducts a study on MENA and Arab Americans. It has already been proven through various private research, our community is disproportionately affected at a higher rate by diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer, and heart disease. With the implementation of a MENA category across state and local levels, health professionals can bring visibility to Arab Americans and develop the resources needed to address the culturally and linguistically appropriate measures.
Making MENA count in Texas
Making MENA count in Texas
Health Equity for MENA Americans
Health Equity for MENA Americans
Culturingua's CEO (left) speaking with Senator Gary Peters' office in Washington D.C. about the Health Equity for Middle Eastern North African Community Inclusion Act and the Afghan Adjustment Act.
Culturingua's COO Nader Mehdawi at a meeting in Washington D.C. with various U.S. Representatives' offices, advocating for Middle Eastern/North African inclusion in the Community Development Financial Institution Fund's programming.
Culturingua's Policy, Advocacy, and Civic Engagement Specialist Analyssa Garcia (center right) with community members meeting with Representative Castro's office in San Antonio to discuss the Health Equity for Middle Eastern/North African Community Inclusion Act and Small Business Access to Capital.
Culturingua's CEO Nadia Mavrakis and COO Nader Mehdawi (far right) advocating alongside Islamic Relief USA with US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and US HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement staff in Washington D.C. about refugees' needs.
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