PASIFIKA WELLNESS CLINIC

The PI COVID-19 Taskforce of Washington (PICTW) was stood up by PICA-WA in April 2020 to address the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Pasifika communities. COVID-19 merely exposed the horrific realities that our Pasifika communities not only face in healthcare disparities, but also housing insecurity, high poverty rates, immigration barriers, environmental racism, and many other barriers that has kept our communities from thriving. The Taskforce’s main strategy is to build powerful networks of Pasifika leaders who are leaning into our unique strengths and gifts to fight COVID-19. We have stood up unique intervention strategies created with one motivation in mind, to increase the well-being of our communities physically, mentally, socially, economically and culturally. The PICTW is now renamed the Pacific Islander Wellness Taskforce to not only address COVID, but to also tackle the many devastating health disparities that plague our communities. From lack of vaccination access, tuberculosis outbreaks, measles, diabetes, lack of access to health insurance and healthcare providers, there are a myriad of issues that are tackled by our partners in the Pacific Islander Wellness Taskforce assembled in Eastern Washington, Southwest Washington & Western Washington. Through our many partnerships in wellness and health, PICA-WA is proud to offer our Pacific Islander Wellness Clinic throughout Washington to fight health disparities, work on prevention and also providing culturally relevant health education that is accessible in our Pacific Islander languages.

OUR PASIFIKA MEDICAL EXPERT: DR. MALIK FUIMAONO

Dr. Malik Fuimaono was born in California but raised in Samoa where he attended school in Apia. He received and accepted a scholarship to Auckland University and graduated with a Bachelor in Science majoring in Biology. He pursued his medical school degree from Saint George’s University and established his residency in Internal Medicine from St Michael’s Hospital, Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He currently is the Associate Chief hospitalist at Skagit Valley hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington. He also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Professor for Pacific Northwest Medical school, Yakima, Washington and is a core clinical faculty for Internal Medicine residency at Skagit Valley hospital. He currently lives with his wife Tusi and 4 kids in Mount Vernon, Washington. He enjoys volunteering time to help kids and giving educational sessions concerning the medical concerns of our Pacific Island communities in Washington State. He also enjoys playing rugby in his spare time.

NHPI COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Then, use a household disinfectant.
(source: www.cdc.gov)

Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
Take your temperature if symptoms develop. If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor.
(source: www.cdc.gov)

Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
(source: www.cdc.gov)

Inaccurate information spreads widely and at speed, making it more difficult for the public to identify verified facts and advice from trusted sources, such as their local health authority. However, everyone can help to stop the spread. If you see content online that you believe to be false or misleading, you can report it to the hosting social media platform.
(source: World Health Organization)

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PREVENTING THE SPREAD

If you are in need of masks, please reach out to us. Masks have been proven as an effective prevention strategy against Covid 19 spread along with washing your hands and social distancing. It is important that our Pacific Islander families are wearing masks when they go out in public at all times and not gather with others who do not live in the same household. Keep our elders safe and wear your mask. The masks will stop us from spreading the virus that can kill our grandmothers and grandfathers. Thank you.