Forum to address Filipino Americans' health

City's health department aims to identify needs of about 20,000 residents and reduce inequities

The Long Beach Health and Human Services Department will host a presentation and roundtable discussion of the Filipino Community Needs Health Assessment from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave.

The event also will include a collaborative effort with the health department and the Filipino Community Advisory Committee to identify health goals for the local community.

The city is encouraging community members to participate and help develop these working goals and report on its progress on a regular basis.

“We remain committed to racial and health equity in the city and look forward to learning about the specific needs of Filipinos in Long Beach,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a news release. “This upcoming roundtable is an opportunity for us to build relationships and explore partnerships with the Filipino community so we can work together to address their concerns.”

Long Beach is home to more than 20,000 Filipino Americans, according to the city. The 2022 census and California Healthy Places Index reported that nearly 20% of the people living in West Long Beach self-identify as Filipino.

The city launched the Filipino Community Needs Assessment in an effort to develop solutions and identify the effect of COVID-19 within Filipino Americans — all while minimizing health inequities in Long Beach.

“Our department is committed to ensuring that all of our communities in Long Beach have what they need to be healthy and thrive,” Director of Health and Human Services Kelly Colopy said. “These community health needs assessments are an integral step in ensuring that all of communities are seen, valued and uplifted.”