At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys proudly recognize outstanding voices shaping the future of law and social justice. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Quyen Truong, a first-year law student at the University of Connecticut School of Law, for her inspiring essay and her dedication to promoting equitable healthcare access for immigrant and minority communities.
What Field of Law Inspires You, and How Will You Help Others with Your Law Degree?
I am deeply passionate about healthcare law, and I plan to use my legal education to expand healthcare access for immigrant and minority communities across the United States. Since my undergraduate years, my focus has been on understanding and addressing the barriers that prevent marginalized populations from receiving proper healthcare
As a Vietnamese refugee, I grew up witnessing the hardships faced by impoverished Asian Pacific American (APA) families. These experiences have shaped my desire to advocate for accessible, culturally competent healthcare for all immigrants. When my family emigrated from Vietnam to the U.S., we encountered numerous healthcare challenges — from language barriers and food insecurity to employment struggles and the lingering trauma of war.
My father endured seven years in Vietnamese re-education camps, where he was imprisoned, starved, and tortured for supporting American soldiers. Research shows that children of trauma survivors often face mental health vulnerabilities, and I personally experienced this reality while managing depression as an adult. Unfortunately, APAs are among the least likely to seek mental health services due to stigma, limited interpretation services, and the lack of culturally aware providers.
As a child, I often acted as an interpreter for my parents during medical visits, a responsibility that no child should bear. The shortage of professional translators leaves many immigrant families unable to fully communicate their health needs, resulting in delayed or inadequate care. While my family was fortunate to survive these challenges, countless others continue to suffer unnecessarily due to inequitable healthcare access.
Building Coalitions for Mental Health and Equity in Connecticut
To combat these disparities, I have dedicated my career to improving healthcare accessibility for immigrant and minority populations. In Connecticut, I work with the North Central Regional Mental Health Board (NCRMHB) to strengthen mental health services statewide. This position has provided me a platform to focus on minority health concerns and develop initiatives in collaboration with community partners.
I partner with Asian organizations, the Connecticut Commission on Opportunities and Equity (CEO), state agencies, and local Black Churches to implement various healthcare initiatives. Through the Connecticut Asian Problem Gambling Initiative, I facilitate discussions about mental health and addiction within APA communities. Working with the CEO, I participated in a year-long “Coverage to Care” project aimed at ensuring that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are both enrolled in and actively utilizing healthcare benefits.
In addition, I am helping build a coalition of healthcare professionals committed to promoting health equity for all communities. With faith-based leaders, I co-organize monthly fellowships that equip churches with the tools to educate congregants about healthcare access and advocate for policy change.
A Vision for Policy Reform and Representation
My difficult upbringing instilled in me a lifelong mission to advocate for immigrants and minorities who lack the resources to thrive. To further this mission, I intend to run for public office to represent Asian Pacific Americans across Connecticut — becoming the first APA woman to serve as a State Senator or Representative.
As both a lawyer and legislator, I plan to prioritize healthcare reform, particularly in areas related to mental health access. Leveraging the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and focusing on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards, I aim to ensure that immigrants receive the translation and interpretation support necessary for effective healthcare.
I am also determined to protect those suffering from trauma, depression, or chronic illness from being denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. Drawing from my legal education, healthcare experience, and policy knowledge, I will collaborate with other lawmakers, insurers, and providers to reduce costs and improve service delivery.
As a future attorney and policymaker, I am committed to ensuring that every immigrant and minority family in America can access affordable, culturally sensitive, and high-quality healthcare — a fundamental right that should never depend on background, language, or origin.