The Program
Achieving Whole Health (AWH) is a curriculum-based, interactive, and culturally relevant program that utilizes trained wellness coaches to provide personalized support to community members. It focuses on supporting individuals in stress management, diet, exercise, and self-care and fostering resilience through group sessions and peer support. The curriculum for this program is based on the Peer Support Whole Health & Resiliency and the Peer Specialist Core Recovery Curriculum, developed by the Appalachian Consulting Group and adapted with consultation from Dr. DJ Ida, Ph.D.
Intended Audience
This program is intended for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) of all ages.
Implementation
Achieving Whole Health is an 11-week wellness program designed to be implemented by community-based organizations serving AANHPI communities, but it can also be implemented in a wide variety of settings, such as schools, community centers, and virtual spaces. The program does not require audio/visual equipment, highlighting its portability in various settings. Training can be administered in different doses to fit the needs of the organization. For example, organizations can set up three sessions over three weeks to cover the live elements and create health goals, followed by eight weekly follow-up sessions to help implement the personal whole health goals.
Outcomes
Achieving Whole Health improves participant wellness in one or more of the 10 life elements within the three life domains:
1. Body
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Restful sleep
2. Mind
- Relaxation techniques to relieve anxiety
- Hope and optimism
- Positive attitude
3. Spirit
- Spiritual beliefs and practices
- Supportive relationships
- Service to others
- A sense of meaning and purpose
Evidence
Achieving Whole Health is an adaptation of the Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) Program, and several studies have proven the effectiveness of WHAM’s implementation. Achieving Whole Health has been implemented with nearly 40 community-based organizations and coalitions throughout California, Hawaii, and Guam. It received positive feedback from agencies; many requested trainings for their entire staff. Organizations trained during the COVID-19 pandemic reported that the program was helpful at both the individual and organizational levels. The training allowed staff to address their stress during difficult times and re-evaluate how they implemented different programs within their agencies. This holistic approach enabled staff to coordinate their efforts and build on the strengths of both programs. Agencies have also stated that the program has helped them create new networks outside the agency to integrate their work’s physical and mental aspects.
Key Strategies to Implementation & Sustainability
Organizational Factors
Organizations that previously implemented Achieving Whole Health found that the program fit well within their mission and allowed them to sustain it. Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) adopted elements of the model across all their services, unifying the way services are provided. This was made possible through buy-ins from executive leadership and the program’s alignment with the organizational vision. Organization-wide adoption led to multiple funding streams and the continued sustainability of the program. Selecting individuals from various positions within the organization’s hierarchy, including those at the top levels overseeing the implementation, is important. Staff stressed the importance of compensating individuals to implement the program to keep volunteers vested in its continuity and sustainability and finding resources for a permanent paid position. Community-based organizations succeed better when implementing this program because they have dedicated space and staff, a better understanding of the community’s needs, and greater accountability to the community than coalitions and associations.
Cultural Factors
Organizations found that the program is culturally sensitive, humble, and insightful, proving to be a good fit with their respective communities. A notable aspect of Achieving Whole Health is its framing of mental health as a holistic approach to the mind, body, and spirit rather than a medical issue. It is common for AANHPI communities to treat mental health as a taboo subject, so framing it as a holistic approach is better received by the community.
Adaptations
Achieving Whole Health was first adapted for AANHPI communities, which consist of many diverse cultures, allowing the program to have some degree of flexibility. Adaptation for specific audiences and tailoring the program with cultural customs is highly encouraged. Examples of holistic health in a specific cultural context ensure that the information being presented is both relevant and relatable. Another adaptation from Asian Women for Health (AWFH) includes a module catered to Asian women and topics that are not commonly discussed in AANHPI communities. These topics include body image, communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. AWFH also added sessions on social media, adapted role-plays, and tailored activities to relevant situations for teens.
Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Organizations found that the program is culturally sensitive, humble, and insightful, proving to be a good fit for their communities. A notable aspect of Achieving Whole Health is its framing of mental health as a holistic approach to the mind, body, and spirit rather than a medical issue. It is common for AANHPI communities to treat mental health as a taboo subject, so framing it as a holistic approach is better received by the community.
Additional Resources
Contact Information
Pata Suyemoto | Achieving Whole Health Trainer
Trainer and Developer
This program was adapted with consultation from DJ Ida, Ph.D., Executive Director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA).