The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services' initiative for health equity has led to a crucial step toward addressing the Filipino community's health concerns. A presentation of the 'Filipino Community Needs Health Assessment' is due for October 30 at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Long Beach Public Library, followed by a roundtable discussion, according to LBDHHS.
The effort, which is spearheaded by the Health Department's Racial and Health Equity team, seeks to identify the health and well-being issues that in Long Beach's Filipino community, which consists of over 20,000 individuals. Relevant findings from the 2022 Census and California Healthy Places Index are considered, revealing nearly 20% Filipino self-identification among West Long Beach residents. You can find more information here.
This assessment was developed to respond to COVID-19's impact on the local Filipino community, aiming to highlight systemic flaws potentially contributing to health inequities. The devised methodology integrated community advisors and included focus groups, a town hall held in April 2023, and a health survey conducted during the summer.
Expressing his commitment to racial and health equity, Mayor Rex Richardson showed enthusiasm for engaging with the Filipino community. "This upcoming round table is an opportunity for us to build relationships and explore partnerships with the Filipino community, so we can work together to address their concerns," he stated. More on his statement can be found here.
In addition, Kelly Colopy, Director of Health and Human Services, stressed the department's unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Long Beach's communities. After the presentation and roundtable, the Health Department plans to work closely with the Filipino Community Advisory Committee to define short to long-term goals for improving health outcomes within the Filipino community.
Prior efforts from the Health Department toward health equity include the completion of the Mi Vida Cuenta COVID-19 Latinx Health Initiative Report and Workplan in 2022. Ongoing Community Health Needs Assessment programs engage with Cambodian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Furthermore, plans for a new Black Community Health Needs Assessment have been scheduled in the upcoming year.
