This May, UF Health Jacksonville is recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It was initially recognized as a week in 1977 by the US Congress to commemorate the contributions of Asian Americans in the United States. It later became a full month celebration. The month of May also commemorates when the first Japanese immigrant came to the US in 1848 and when the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. Many people who worked on the railroad were Chinese immigrants. These various commemorations are now all celebrated in May together during AAPI heritage month.
Throughout the month, we are taking time to spotlight a few of our own faculty and staff from UF Health Jacksonville and the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. Today’s spotlight features Loan Ha, Personal Financial Specialist System Coordinator.
What do you enjoy about working at UF Health Jacksonville?
I have been with UF Health Jacksonville for 35 years. As the PFS system coordinator my role is to ensure claims are billed correctly in order to receive maximum reimbursement. I am passionate about my work and I know that my boss can count on me for whatever is needed. I have enjoyed seeing the organization grow. It’s a positive workplace culture and I love the hospital’s mission of truly caring for people.
What does your AAPI Heritage mean to you?
I hope that we as a society will come to better understand the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders and recognize more of these cultures, traditions and values.
How is your AAPI Heritage reflected in your day-to-day work and other activities?
It’s reflected in me simply being who I am and always being willing to be kind and helpful to others around me.
Asian/Pacific Islander includes all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.