Dr. XinQi Dong, MD, MPH, director of the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, says Asian Americans and older adults face additional risks from discrimination and isolation related to Coronavirus.

“In addition to the health risks and fear associated with COVID-19, there are serious implications that can stem from the discrimination faced by the Asian population during this crisis,” said Dr. Dong, a population health epidemiologist and expert on violence prevention and elder abuse.

Dr. Dong’s extensive research has shown that older Chinese Americans can be mistreated, abused, isolated and left to feel lonely when faced with discrimination, which puts them at risk for poor cognitive function, suicide and other mental health problems.

Media interested in interviewing Dr. Dong may contact Jenny Wagner Noonan at jnoonan@ifh.rutgers.edu or 848-932-6636.