Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (Rancho Los Amigos) commemorated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by paying tribute to the generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) who have a rich and diverse heritage. The AAPI community is very diverse and represents over 75 countries and over 100 languages. According to the Pew Research Center (2021), AAPI is the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. Los Angeles County has become the hometown with the largest Asian population in the U.S., according to an article in the Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) (2024).

This year Rancho Los Amigos celebrated AAPI Month by hosting an outdoor celebration on May 22, 2024. The event showcased aspects of the diverse traditions and customs of various Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. Festivities included performances, cuisine representing AAPI regions, acupuncture booth, tables of community partners sharing their resources and event prizes. Rancho Los Amigos created informational poster displays that were featured from May 10 to May 31, highlighting the historical stories of the AAPI Community’s triumphs, perseverance and contributions.

Rancho Los Amigos was also honored to feature the stories of our Rancho cultural diversity team and AAPI employees who shared their own stories of passion, determination and hope in becoming who they are today. These features were shared on our campus via exhibits and a recognition video.