Pasifika Youth Health Program
The Pasifika Youth Health Program is a 6‑month, community‑based health and wellness program for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth ages 15–24 living in Washington State. Developed collaboratively with Pasifika youth and community members, the program is rooted in the belief that our cultures, traditions, and community connections are powerful sources of strength that support lifelong well‑being.
The program focuses on overall health, including physical, mental, emotional, and cultural wellness. Youth learn practical tools they can use in their daily lives, from movement and nutrition to stress management, cultural grounding, and community connection. Sessions are hands‑on, interactive, and designed to reflect the lived experiences of Pasifika youth.
Participants meet regularly with our NHPI coaches, engage in group activities, and build relationships with peers across island communities. Because this is a paid research study, youth are compensated for their participation.
The Pasifika Youth Health Program aims to empower young people with knowledge, skills, and cultural pride that strengthen their health today and support their futures.
Click the link to enroll in the program. Get healthy while getting paid for your time. Classes will be held in Fife, WA.
Learn more about the Pasifika Youth Health Program
The Pili Program, the Origin Story
The PILI ‘Ohana Lifestyle Program originated in Hawai‘i through a partnership between researchers and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
Building on the Diabetes Prevention Program, community and research partners adapted proven health strategies to better reflect Pacific cultures, families, foods, values, and everyday experiences. The result was a culturally grounded program that supports healthier living through nutrition, physical activity, family connection, and community support.
Today, PILI ‘Ohana continues to build on a simple idea: lasting change is stronger when health, culture, family, and community are connected.
Benefits
Research on the PILI ‘Ohana Lifestyle Program found meaningful improvements in weight, blood pressure, physical activity, and healthy eating habits. Participants who completed the program became more active, improved their physical functioning, and built healthier behaviors into their everyday lives.
The benefits can continue beyond the program. Participants who stayed engaged were over five times more likely to maintain their initial weight loss compared with those receiving standard follow-up support.
By combining proven health strategies with culture, family, and community support, PILI ‘Ohana helps participants make healthier changes—and build habits that can last.
Who Can Join
The Pasifika Youth Health Program is open to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth ages 15–24 who live anywhere in the King and Pierce County region. Our first cohort will meet in Fife, WA, at our PIHB office. We welcome young people from all Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, including:
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Samoan
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Tongan
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Marshallese
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Chuukese
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Native Hawaiian
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Fijian
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Palauan
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Yapese
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Kosraean
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Pohnpeian
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Other Micronesian, Melanesian, and Polynesian communities
If you identify as NHPI and are between 15 and 24, you’re eligible to join.
Where are we located?
Our first cohort of the Pasifika Youth Health Program will meet at the PIHBWA's office in Fife, Washington. All sessions for Cohort 1 will be in person with activities designed to support connection, learning, and community in a welcoming, culturally grounded space.
Although our program site is in Fife, we welcome Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth ages 15–24 from anywhere in Washington State to register for future classes.
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The Pacific Islander Health Boards
Why?
Our Pacific communities have carried health challenges from one generation to the next. We have watched too many of our people struggle with conditions that affect not only how long we live, but how fully we are able to live. We believe our youth have an opportunity to help change that story.
The Pacific Youth Health Program is about starting earlier. We want our young people to understand their bodies, their minds, their emotions, and the everyday choices that shape their wellbeing, because they deserve the knowledge, tools, and support to make informed decisions about their own lives.
We want our youth to grow into adults who have the opportunity to live long, active, meaningful lives. We want them to become parents who can run and play with their children, prepare and share meals together, pass down culture and traditions, and be present enough to help shape what their children learn and consume rather than choosing lessons from social media or because you needed fast and convenient
But our vision goes beyond individual health. In Pacific Islander communities, caring for ourselves has never been only about ourselves. When our youth learn to care for their own wellbeing, they gain the strength and knowledge to care for their families, show up for their communities, and guide the generations that follow. That is the future we want PYHP to help build healthier youth, stronger families, and stronger Pacific Islander communities.
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