Pacific Islander Health Board of Washington

The Pacific Islander Health Board of Washington (PIHBWA) is dedicated to cultivating community resilience to achieve health equity through culturally safe, community-driven solutions, traditions, advocacy, and policy. Our resilience is rooted in love and a culturally grounded commitment to serve.

We envision a world where all Pacific Islanders are healthy, connected, and thriving. As a women-led and community-run organization, we are committed to uplifting our people by hiring from within the community and offering training that empowers our staff. Our board members, staff, and interns are deeply rooted in the communities we serve, and all proudly identify as Native Hawaiians or Indigenous Pacific Islanders (NHPI).

PIHBWA's work is grounded in our love for our communities and shared vision of a liberated future. Our life experiences shape our programs and priorities, ensuring our services are
relevant and impactful. We have earned the trust of our communities—NHPI members regularly turn to us for the support they need.

Our programs are community-led and culturally responsive, guided by data on health disparities and driven by the voices of our people. As a community-centered organization, the Pacific Islander Health Board provides a vital cultural connection for NHPI families and strives to meet people where they are, with compassion and understanding.

We are proud advocates for the Pacific Islander community in Washington State. At the Pacific Islander Health Board, we are committed to creating lasting, positive change by approaching health holistically—one that honors and uplifts our communities' strengths, languages, cultures, foods, arts, and strong family ties. Every action brings us closer to community wellness by deepening our connection to our roots.

Our work centers on building meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships with community members and organizations. Together, we expand access to vital resources, bridge generational gaps, and serve as a trusted source of information. These efforts ensure our community remains strong, informed, and empowered.

At PIHBWA, we use a Community-Driven Approach that actively involves community members in decision-making. We believe that lasting solutions must come from within the community itself. By centering community voices, we ensure that our programs, policies, and services are relevant, responsive, and reflective of the unique needs of Pacific Islanders.

Our Cultural and Health Navigators—respected community leaders deeply rooted in our populations—play a key role in this approach. They help community members navigate dominant cultural systems and access essential resources, while providing in-language translation and culturally grounded support.

We are building a village of support for families by empowering local leaders and uplifting their work. We actively listen to and value our communities’ lived experiences and insights. Through this collective effort, we strengthen community power and empower individuals to take charge of their own health and wellness.