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Long Beach accepts Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community health needs assessment; community leaders seek targeted funding
Summary
The council received a citywide Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Community Health Needs Assessment, highlighting high rates of hypertension, diabetes and housing insecurity and calling for grant funding, language access and culturally grounded programs.
The Long Beach City Council received and filed a Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Community Health Needs Assessment during Tuesday’s meeting, a report developed with local NHPI leaders, artists and academic partners.
The assessment, led by a community advisory committee and coordinated by Harold Veil La Cruz at the Health Department, surveyed 130 respondents (105 in person, 25 online), including people who previously lived in Long Beach, and combined survey results with listening sessions and artist‑led storytelling to highlight health priorities and service gaps.
Nut graf: The study found notable rates of hypertension, diabetes and asthma among respondents and their family members, strong reliance on religion and culturally rooted coping strategies, and financial and housing insecurity. Community leaders asked the city for grant support, language access (Samoan, Tongan, Chamorro), biannual CHNAs, and protections from immigration raids to improve health equity.
Key findings presented by UCLA consultant Richard Calvin Chang and community presenters included high self‑reported rates of hypertension, diabetes and asthma; large use of prayer as a health coping mechanism; about 25% reporting a long‑term disability; and 64% of respondents renting rather than owning homes. Speakers emphasized the need for culturally relevant programs, more NHPI clinicians, and financial literacy and renters’ outreach.
Community presenters included artists and leaders who produced arts‑based interpretive work for the report: Jason “JP” Pereira (art), Auntie Heidi Kanga (cultural programs), Kiki Rivera (theatrical presentation) and Micah Manaitai (song). Audrey Alo of the Southern California Pacific Islander Community Response Team and other advisory committee members urged translation and multi‑channel outreach to reach elders and youth.
The council voted to receive and file the report. Members praised the culturally sensitive process and said they would explore support for the assessment’s calls to action.
Ending: Health staff indicated the full report and artist materials are in the meeting packet and will be made available to council and community partners for follow up and funding discussions.
