FilCom CARES Vaccination Drive Takes Place April 8 in Waipahu
by Jim Bea Sampaga
In support of Filipino and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaii getting vaccinated against COVID-19, the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu announced the next FilCom CARES Vaccination program will be held on April 8, from 9am to 1pm.
Research by the Hawaii State Department of Health shows that Filipino and Pacific Islander residents have contracted COVID-19 at a higher rate compared to other ethnic groups in Hawaii. However, Filipinos and Pacific Islanders are also among the lowest to be vaccinated in the state.
The Filipino Community Center aims to reverse that trend and have more Filipino and Pacific Islanders vaccinated. Edmund Aczon, chair of the Filipino Community Center, says it is essential for these communities to get vaccinated to improve the overall well-being of Hawaii’s population and economic strength.
“Filipinos are the largest immigrant group in the state, and they join the growing Hawaii-born Filipino community,” said Aczon.
“We make major contributions to the state but a significant number struggle economically and many face language barriers in obtaining information and services.”
To show support of the vaccination drive, Nareit Hawaii donated $50,000 to expand the FilCom CARES Vaccination program statewide.
Gladys Quinto Marrone, executive director of Nareit Hawaii, highly encourages everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“We are honored to support the FilCom CARES vaccination program, and this concerted community-wide effort to keep all families healthy and protect them from the spread of COVID-19,” she said.
The April 8 FilCom CARES Vaccination program is the third vaccination drive by the Filipino Community Center. The program is in partnership with Hawaii State Department of Health, Kaiser Permanente, the Kalihi Palama Center, and Project Vision.
The FilCom Care Vaccination program is provided by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call Kaiser Permanente at (808) 432-2273 or (808) 432-2260.
Related Stories:
Millions of Americans Ready to Get Coronavirus Vaccine as Immunization Kicks Off
As second-worst hit by COVID-19 in Hawaii, Filipino community continues to be resilient