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PACIFIC ISLANDER HEALTH BOARD of WASHINGTON

Healing Our Communities

Pacific Islander Health Board Stands with

BLack LIves Matter

The Pacific Islander Health Board of Washington stands with our Black brothers and sisters in decrying the recent murders of Manuel Ellis, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and asking for equal justice for our communities of color. No longer is it enough to just speak out against these injustices, we must band together and actively resist a system that has gotten away with marginalizing people of color for far too long. We support #BlackLivesMatter.

We encourage our Pacific Islander communities to attend protests safely with masks, donate online to official fundraisers, honor the leadership of our Black and Native American leaders, amplify the voices of black activists, to educate ourselves on the ongoing injustices in our country and call and write your elected leaders as a national change in the judicial system is long past due.

The Pacific Islander Health Board stands with all those who are seeking a more just and equitable future. We acknowledge our own Pacific Islander families who have dealt with police violence and can speak on our shared experiences with the Black and Native American communities disproportionally affected by systematic racism, but now is the time for us to elevate the voices of our brothers and sisters who have been in this fight far longer than we have-- America has a 400 year history of racial injustice, stolen people brought to a stolen land.

The demonstrations that have occurred in every state in this country have proven that our community must do everything in our power to ensure the equal rights and freedoms of every person in this county. As Dr. Angela Davis said, “I am no longer accepting the things that I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

COVID-19 is a global pandemic and has changed our daily lives. While it is stressful and confusing, with information changing rapidly, know that your community members stand with you.

CLOSED: We are no longer accepting submissions for Covid-19 relief funds at this time. Thank you to all who helped to get the word out.

Other funds or assistance to the community are listed below.

Marshallese Community, the Marshallese Women's Association will be distributing Covid-Relief Funds.
White Center Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Residents, email Dao @ the White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA)
Food insecurity in our LGBTQ+ communities in south King County: UTOPIA is offering a Food Assistance Program. This assistance is open to LGBTQ+ communities. U.T.O.P.I.A. SEA will prioritize assistance to those in our LGBTQ+ community who are elderly, disabled or have lost their primary/only income as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Way of King County
United Way of Tacoma
Tacoma Mutual Aid Collective
Nortwest Harvest

See below for a list of other resources.

Remember, to be kind, we're all in this together.

If you see discrimination due to race report it or email us and we'll report it for you. or call 911 if it's an emergency,
Stay home if you are able. Do your part to flatten the curve.
Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your face.
Keep your home clean and remove shoes before entering your home.
Do not share unproven remedies or conspiracy theories. These are uncertain times and we must come together to help one another.
Stay connected online or by calling family and friends. We are not a people accustomed to being separated from our ohana, friends, and the larger community.
Try to maintain a daily schedule as routines are healthier for your keiki's, as well as, your peace of mind.
If you are in an unsafe home situation, API Chaya can help. Their services are free and confidential. 1-877-922-4292.