Author Archives: tonyvu

Mental Well-Being: The Foundation of a Fulfilling Life

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Mental well-being is about more than the absence of mental illness, it’s about quality of life. It includes realizing your strengths, managing daily stress, building meaningful relationships, and contributing to your family and community.

Nearly 80% of people struggle with mental well-being at some point in their lives, whether or not they have a mental health condition. These struggles are common and human.

Common Challenges

Mental well-being is shaped by everyday and systemic factors, including lack of purpose, chronic stress, limited social support, unstable housing or employment, and social exclusion. These challenges often overlap and compound.

Why It Matters

Poor mental well-being is linked to higher rates of injury, chronic disease, reduced productivity, justice system involvement, shorter life expectancy, and lifetime mental illness. Mental well-being affects individuals, families, and communities.

Culture and Community

For communities that have experienced oppression, mental well-being is shaped by historical and ongoing trauma and injustice. Addressing these realities is essential for healing and long-term well-being.

Strengthening Mental Well-Being

Mental well-being can be nurtured at every stage of life. Support it by building caring relationships, managing stress through mindfulness or movement, connecting with culture, community, and nature, caring for your body through sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and getting involved in your community.

Learn more at the Minnesota Department of Health’s Mental Health Promotion page:
https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=ID_058037

Understanding the Risk of Cannabis Use Disorder

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Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a condition where an individual cannot stop using cannabis, even though it is causing negative health, social, or personal problems. While not everyone who uses cannabis will develop CUD, certain factors can increase the likelihood of its development.

Key Points:

  • Risk Factors: The likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder is higher for people who start using cannabis during their youth or adolescence, and those who use cannabis more frequently.
  • Prevalence: Approximately 3 in 10 individuals who use cannabis may develop cannabis use disorder. That means there’s about a 30% chance of becoming addicted.

Signs of Cannabis Use Disorder:

Recognizing the signs of cannabis use disorder is essential for seeking help and making changes before the condition worsens. Some key signs include:

  • Using more cannabis than intended
  • Inability to quit, even after trying
  • Spending excessive time using cannabis
  • Strong cravings for cannabis
  • Continued use despite problems at home, school, work, or in relationships
  • Giving up important activities in favor of using cannabis
  • Using cannabis in risky situations, like driving
  • Developing tolerance, needing more cannabis to feel the same effects
  • Using cannabis despite physical or psychological problems

Cannabis Use Disorder and THC Concentration:

Some individuals with cannabis use disorder may require higher doses of cannabis or stronger concentrations to experience the desired effects (the “high”). Over recent years, the concentration of THC—the active ingredient in cannabis—has increased, making cannabis use potentially more intense and risky.

  • THC Concentration Trends: From 2008 to 2017, the average delta-9 THC concentration in cannabis increased from 9% to 17%. Some dispensary products now contain THC levels ranging from 22% to 45%.
  • Increased Risk: Higher concentrations of THC can lead to more intense effects, increasing the likelihood of overconsumption and negative side effects. Methods like vaping or dabbing can deliver very high levels of THC, further raising the risk.
  • Potential Mental Health Impact: Research suggests that adolescents and young adults who use high-THC cannabis may be at greater risk for mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and other disorders.

Long-Term Impact:

People with cannabis use disorder may experience additional challenges, including problems with attention, memory, and learning. The more frequently someone uses cannabis, especially during youth, the more likely they are to face lasting cognitive and mental health consequences.

Conclusion:

Understanding cannabis use disorder and the risks associated with higher THC concentrations is crucial for responsible use. If you or someone you know is showing signs of cannabis use disorder, seeking help early can help prevent further complications.

For more information on cannabis-related health effects, visit CDC’s Cannabis and Public Health Page.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice  Affiliation Decries Hateful and Unwarranted Immigrant Visa Pause

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA –  On January 14, the U.S. Department of State announced the indefinite pause on the issuance of immigrant visas for the nationals of 75 countries, including numerous Asian nations. The move is an unprecedented and cruel attack on the immigration pathways established by Congress. 

 Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a national affiliation of four independent civil rights organizations, issues the following statement:  

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice condemns the Trump administration’s decision to pause the issuance of immigrant visas for individuals of 75 countries. This new policy constitutes one of the most restrictive attacks on the immigration system that our nation has seen in decades. It blocks hundreds of thousands of people from immigration pathways established by Congress and harkens back to the racially discriminatory immigration restrictions of the 1920s that effectively barred Asian and Black immigrants. This decision will separate families and block workers who have followed the necessary steps to acquire permanent status in the United States. Family members of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents living abroad will be prevented from reuniting with their loved ones, violating both the letter and spirit of our immigration laws.  

“The pause disproportionately targets immigrants of color—yet another indication of the xenophobia and racism driving this administration’s policies. Asian Americans will suffer under this pause, with 44% of Asian immigrant visa holders—and over 135,000 individuals—barred.  

“The State Department has justified this action based on supposed concerns about public benefit usage by immigrants. This is a blatant lie. Various rules already restrict the ability of immigrant visa recipients to qualify for public benefits. Moreover, countless studies have shown that immigrants enhance economic growth, and that access to public benefits leads to better long-term outcomes for children, families and society.  

“Policymakers should expand access to immigration and address root causes of poverty and displacement with dignity, not exclusion. We call on the administration to immediately reverse this decision and work with Congress to improve, and not curtail, our immigration system.”

Reference: https://www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org/news/asian-americans-advancing-justice-affiliation-decries-hateful-and-unwarranted-immigrant-visa-pause

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2026

CONTACT:
James Woo, Director of Communications, media@advancingjustice-atlanta.org

Tobacco Prevention and Control Approaches in Public Health

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Tobacco use remains the single biggest preventable threat to health in the United States, contributing to disease, disability, and premature death, and its impact is felt most heavily in certain communities, including youth, low-income populations, and racial and ethnic minorities, who have been specifically targeted by tobacco marketing. Social factors such as poverty, discrimination, and adverse childhood experiences make quitting even more challenging.

Evidence-based strategies, like smoke-free policies, access to cessation programs, and limits on tobacco advertising, can reduce these disparities and protect future generations.

Key Points:

  • Targeted Marketing: Tobacco companies have long focused on youth and marginalized communities.
  • Health Risks: People with mental health conditions or substance use disorders face higher rates of tobacco-related illness and death.
  • Secondhand Smoke: Policies in workplaces, schools, and housing protect everyone from exposure.
  • Cessation Support: Affordable quitting resources, including counseling and FDA-approved medications, improve the chances of success.
  • Policy Progress: States like California, Massachusetts, and Michigan have reduced tobacco use through strong laws and retailer regulations.

Reducing access to flavored tobacco products can also lower the likelihood that youth try tobacco. Supporting smoke-free policies, expanding cessation resources, and addressing targeted marketing can help build healthier communities. If you or someone you know wants to quit, proven resources are available.

Reference: CDC – Tobacco Prevention & Control