It's Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month, and News 12 is taking a look at a new study from Westchester County that shines a light on the needs of the AAPI community.

Marjorie Hsu is the co-chair of the Asian American Advisory Board, which was created by County Executive George Latimer in 2021.

They commissioned a needs assessment, surveying 800 Asian Americans living in Westchester. It was the first-of-its-kind in the county's history. 

"Some of the major findings were that our Asian population needs more and better language access," says Hsu.

Asian Americans are the second fastest growing ethnic group in Westchester, increasing 27% since 2010. There has been an increase of hate crimes against Asian Americans - including two major attacks on elderly Asian women in the county in recent years.

The survey found two out of three respondents are concerned about public safety and racially motivated bullying of school children and seniors.

"At the end of the day, it's racism against Asians and it's causing huge levels of depression and anxiety," says Hsu. 

The survey also found barriers to medical and mental health care, social isolation and a lack of Asian American history in school curriculum.

Tsu says the county is working toward solutions. 

There will be more discussion on the county's new report next Monday at a public forum that will be held at the Pace University Law School in White Plains.

The free event is open to the public and starts at 5:30 p.m.