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Silent War Trailer Drops + Conference Premiere
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After years in the making—countless cities, dozens of interviews, and tireless work behind the scenes—we’re proud to announce that the official trailer for Silent War is now LIVE!
This powerful documentary explores mental health in the Asian American community, tackling the silence and stigma that so often surround it. As of this month, the film is actively being submitted to festivals and will officially premiere at the WAVES Mental Health Conference in September. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to experience it—conference registration is open now!
Earlier this month, we also shared a deeply personal Director’s Statement from Dr. Changfu Chang. In it, he reflects on the emotional weight of this five-year journey, the courage of participants who shared their stories, and how the project became a mirror to his own experience as an Asian American navigating mental health and identity. Click on the button to view the full statement.
| | Roots & Resilience: The 2025 AAPI Youth Mental Health Conference | | |
WAVES Volunteer Celebration
Earlier this month, WAVES celebrated the dedication of over 60 volunteers supporting mental health and healing. We proudly certified North Carolina’s first FOUR Chinese Peer Support Specialists through our program, with awards presented by State Rep. Maria Cervania, WAVES Board Member. Families connected through games and wellness activities, reflecting the strong community spirit that drives WAVES. Thanks to all partners and supporters who make this work possible.
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Making WAVES with Research
Exciting news from WAVES youth researchers! Two student-led projects on AAPI health disparities, mentored by the UCA Data Center and UCA WAVES, have been accepted for presentation at the 2025 American Public Health Association Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Building on previous research, these projects examine racial disparities in health behaviors and outcomes within AAPI communities nationwide. We’re proud of these students for advancing public health discussions and amplifying AAPI voices. Stay tuned for translated findings and updates through UCA’s platforms.
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Empowering Through Reading
Our latest book club session centered on Toxic Parents by Susan Forward and Craig Buck sparked a powerful conversation on healing from harmful family dynamics and reclaiming emotional freedom. Participants reflected on how understanding generational trauma—especially experiences during the Cultural Revolution—can open pathways to empathy and connection. As one member shared, "I understand what you went through." In a fast-paced digital world, these shared moments of reflection through literature feel more vital than ever. We’re grateful for the insight and community this space offers—and we’re already looking forward to the next session.
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WAVES Represented at AACN Access
UCA WAVES was honored to participate in the AACN Access, Connection, Engagement (ACE) Symposium 2025, a gathering of nurse leaders, educators, and advocates. Executive Director Lily Chen presented on our Youth Mental Health Collaborative and Chinese Mental Health First Aid training research. Highlights included a keynote from Dr. Beverly Malone, teaching insights from Duke University nursing faculty, connections with leaders from the Clinical Scholars Action Network, and policy updates on preceptor tax credits and bias reduction training. We look forward to continued collaboration and learning.
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WAVES Presents at NNEDLearn 2025
WAVES recently participated in NNEDLearn 2025, where Executive Director Lily Chen and team members Feng Xue and Warren Lu shared how AI is shaping our youth mental health work. From using natural language processing to identify community needs to streamlining research and grant writing, the team highlighted innovative tools—including AI voiceovers developed for the Silent War documentary.
It was an honor to learn alongside so many inspiring organizations. Special thanks to SAMHSA and the NNED team for fostering this space for connection and innovation.
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WAVES Community Corner: Exciting Internship Offer!
The Jed Foundation (JED) is now accepting applications for the Summer 2025 cohort of the National Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition (YAC) Internship—a six-week, paid hybrid program that equips undergraduate students with tools for mental health advocacy and community outreach.
This opportunity is open to students enrolled in a U.S. college or university (including D.C.) who will be rising freshmen, sophomores, or juniors in the 2025–2026 academic year.
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Reflecting on June: Honoring Pride, PTSD Awareness, and Men’s Mental Health
June was a powerful reminder of the layered struggles—and strength—within our communities. As we recognized Pride Month, PTSD Awareness Month, and Men’s Mental Health Month, WAVES highlighted often-overlooked narratives across the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) experience.
From the dual marginalization faced by queer AAPI individuals to the deep, intergenerational trauma in refugee communities, and the silence surrounding men’s mental health—these stories call us to listen more closely and act with intention. Data shows alarming disparities: LGBTQ+ AAPI youth facing disproportionately high rates of depression, Southeast Asian refugees carrying some of the highest PTSD burdens globally, and AAPI men silently navigating mental health challenges under the weight of stigma and expectations.
But amid these challenges, we’ve also seen resilience—through art, advocacy, education, and community-led care. At WAVES, we remain committed to making space for these truths, supporting culturally grounded healing, and uplifting every voice brave enough to speak. Healing is complex, but together, we can break the silence.
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