The City of Long Beach Health Department is rolling out its "Spring into Health" event for the second year, focusing on boosting health services for the AAPI communities. Mayor Rex Richardson highlighted the new addition of free Hepatitis B vaccines to the lineup of no-cost resources available during the May 3 event, as per the details shared by the City of Long Beach website. "With this year’s Spring into Health event, we are expanding services to further serve our Asian American and Pacific Islander populations," Richardson said.
Emphasizing cultural competency and inclusivity, the event aims to cater to local health needs, with data revealing a dire need for increased vaccination rates among AAPI populations, particularly concerning Hepatitis B. Attendees will also have access to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and can tap into Medi-Cal services, community-based organizations, and more. Those who choose to get vaccinated during the event may find themselves the lucky recipients of gift cards through an opportunity drawing. As the city's announcement details, the community response to last year's event underscored the necessity of such outreach.
Dr. Anissa Davis, the city's Health Officer, stressed the significant benefit of the upcoming event. "This event is an opportunity for residents to access critical services in a culturally competent and welcoming environment,” she mentioned, emphasizing the need to meet individuals where they're at. Spring into Health not only aligns with the Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan but also reflects the Health Department's continued efforts under its Hepatitis B grant initiative. This initiative is dedicated to reducing health disparities and promoting wellness within underserved demographics.
A previous urban health assessment conducted by the Health Department in 2023 connected the dots between community needs and service delivery. Forty percent of respondents in the Cambodian community conveyed challenges in finding vaccination sites, or simply not knowing where to go. In response, Ernest McBride Park was aptly chosen as the venue for the 2025 event due to its proximity to a dense Cambodian population—a strategic move to break barriers to healthcare access, as noted in the press release.
Residents interested in participating in the event or seeking additional information can visit the Long Beach official health page.
