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2024-03-27 Visiting the Arno Atoll Clinics

Community Support,Health

Community Support, Health

2024-03-27 Visiting the Arno Atoll Clinics

By Aschlee Angelo Apr 08, 2024 No Comments

A Heartfelt Visit to Arno Atoll’s Health Clinics

Last week, the Living Islands Non-Profit team had the privilege of visiting the local health clinics on Arno Atoll in the Marshall Islands. It was an experience that filled us with profound respect and a renewed sense of purpose.

Due to its remote location, Arno Atoll, with its picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities, faces unique healthcare challenges. The local health clinics serve as a critical lifeline for the island’s inhabitants, providing essential medical services with limited resources. Witnessing the resilience and dedication of the health practitioners there was both humbling and inspiring.

Throughout our visit, we were struck by the stark contrast between the scarcity of resources available and the magnitude of the responsibility shouldered by the local health practitioners. Despite these challenges, they work tirelessly to provide care, demonstrating incredible ingenuity and dedication. Their commitment to their community’s well-being is nothing short of heroic.

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Pacific Islands, Living Islands is more committed than ever to supporting these vital health clinics. We are exploring various initiatives to enhance healthcare access and quality on Arno Atoll. This includes supplying equipment, facilitating training, and improving clinic infrastructure. We aim to empower these clinics to continue their essential work under better conditions.

Our visit was a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of our global community and the impact of collective action. We left Arno Atoll inspired by the strength and spirit of its people, particularly the healthcare practitioners who serve with such dedication under challenging circumstances.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the health practitioners of Arno Atoll for welcoming us with open arms and for their unwavering commitment to their community. Your work is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of resilience and compassion. Living Islands looks forward to standing with you as we work together to improve healthcare on the Atoll.

Thank you to everyone who supports Living Islands Non-Profit. Your generosity and belief in our mission make this work possible. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those on Arno Atoll and beyond.

Ine, Arno Clinic

Arno, Arno Clinic

Raising Awareness: Living Islands’ SuperFund Site PSA

Community Support,Food Security,GoFish,Health,Nature

Community Support, Food Security, GoFish, Health, Nature

Raising Awareness: Living Islands’ SuperFund Site PSA

By Aschlee Angelo Oct 19, 2023 No Comments

In the serene backdrop of Cathedral Park, Portland, Oregon, the Living Islands team embarked on a crucial mission: filming a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about the Superfund Site. This initiative is more than just a filming project; it’s a vital step towards raising awareness and driving education about environmental issues that significantly impact our Pacific Islander Communities. The majestic St. John Bridge towering above us served as a poignant reminder of the intertwining of natural beauty and our environmental challenges. Our focus was to shed light on the SuperFund Site’s complexities, highlighting how it affects our waterways, fish populations, and, consequently, the health and traditions of our communities. The presence of our team, armed with cameras and a sense of purpose, transformed the park into a stage for advocacy and education.

We have invited local experts, community leaders, and environmental activists to share their insights on the Superfund Site’s implications. Their testimonies, rich with knowledge and passion, brought to the forefront the importance of community engagement in environmental issues. Through this PSA, we aim to inform and inspire our Pacific Islander communities to become active participants in environmental stewardship.

The message we are sending is clear: awareness leads to action. As we wrapped up the filming, we felt a renewed sense of commitment to our cause. This PSA is just the beginning of our journey to ensure that our communities are not just informed but also empowered to make a difference in the face of environmental challenges.

Marshallese Cultural Health Forum 2023: Bridging Communities Through Cross-Cultural Education

Business,Community Support,Culture and Outriggers,Health,Inspiration,Migration,Nuclear Legacy

Business, Community Support, Culture and Outriggers, Health, Inspiration, Migration, Nuclear Legacy

Marshallese Cultural Health Forum 2023: Bridging Communities Through Cross-Cultural Education

By Taliilagi Aumavae Aug 31, 2023 No Comments

The Marshallese Cultural Health Forum was a transformative experience, where attendees gathered to foster a deeper understanding of health needs within the Marshallese community and beyond. This unique event featured insightful presentations and distinguished speakers, providing invaluable insights into the cultural nuances that influenced healthcare practices.

The forum served as a vital platform for individuals, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through cross-cultural education, we aimed to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their cultural background, received the support they deserved.

Highlights of the event included:

Engaging Presentations: Expert speakers delved into various aspects of Marshallese culture, shedding light on traditional health practices, beliefs, and the challenges faced by the community in accessing quality healthcare.

Interactive Exhibits: Attendees immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Marshallese culture through interactive exhibits showcasing art, music, and cuisine, providing a sensory experience that deepened their understanding of this vibrant community.

Networking Opportunities: Participants connected with like-minded individuals, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who shared a passion for improving health outcomes and promoting cultural inclusivity.

Those who attended the Marshallese Cultural Health Forum gained valuable insights that empowered them to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of Marshallese individuals, and by extension, contributed to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.

The event was a significant step towards creating a healthier, more culturally sensitive future for our communities. It was an opportunity for attendees to be part of a movement dedicated to positive change.

PI Voices Meeting about Hoops for Hope 24

Community Support,Health,Inspiration,Sports

Community Support, Health, Inspiration, Sports

PI Voices Meeting about Hoops for Hope 24

By Taliilagi Aumavae Jul 11, 2023 No Comments

Reflecting on Hoops for Hope Dinner and Future Plans

On July 11th 2024, Living Islands hosted a Hoops for Hope community dinner that gathered individuals that played a vital role in the process. They discusses the transformative power of basketball in the lives of Pacific Islander youth. Attendees came together to share their thoughts on the event’s success and to brainstorm ideas for its continued evolution.

Guests unanimously praised the event for providing a nurturing environment where young individuals could explore their potential and envision diverse paths to success. The combination of panel discussions and basketball games was particularly well-received, fostering not only skill development but also a strong sense of community and belonging among participants. As conversations unfolded, there was a shared enthusiasm for expanding the scope of the event in the coming year, with attendees expressing a keen desire to deepen their involvement and explore new opportunities for collaboration. In particular, discussions with Jay, sparked excitement about the possibility of incorporating a tour of Nike into next year’s program, offering young athletes exposure to new horizons and inspiration for their future endeavors.

As guests departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to empowering Pacific Islander youth through the transformative power of basketball. With a shared vision for the future and a commitment to continued collaboration, attendees left the dinner inspired to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals within the community.

Pacific Islander Voices: Hoops For Hope 2023

Community Support,Health,Inspiration,Sports

Community Support, Health, Inspiration, Sports

Pacific Islander Voices: Hoops For Hope 2023

By Taliilagi Aumavae Jun 23, 2023 No Comments

Bounce to a Brighter Future: Inspiring Pacific Islander Youth with Hoops for Hope

Basketball is more than just a game; it has the power to connect people and inspire dreams. In the Pacific Islander community, there are many talented individuals who did not take the traditional route to success. It is what inspired us to put on this event, to empower the youth and give them a chance to connect with elders in their community. Through this workshop, Hoops for Hope brings joy, hope, and a brighter future to the hearts of young Pacific Islanders. Let’s dive into the incredible work they do and how it guides these talented individuals forward!

Hoops for Hope: Empowering Pacific Islander Youth through Basketball Magic!

On Friday, June 23rd, 2023, Living Islands held their PI Voices: Hoops for Hope event at Parkrose Middle School. It was a remarkable initiative that used the universal language of basketball to make a positive impact on the lives of Pacific Islander youth. With their panel session, they created a safe and supportive environment for these young individuals to develop their skills, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. The passion and dedication of the community members at the Hoops for Hope event is truly remarkable, as they worked tirelessly to inspire and uplift the participants through honest discussions.

The goal of this workshop was to empower youth to see different options for their future careers. We wanted to showcase non-violent approaches to what success could look like. Success doesn’t have to mean higher education at a university, it can mean owning a business, learning a trade or even learning skills for a certification. As the speakers had open discussions and shared experiences, this event helped foster a sense of belonging and community among Pacific Islander male youth. After the session concluded, they had basketball games for the youth as well as community members to engage in. The transformative power of discussion and basketball is undeniable, as it instilled discipline, teamwork, and resilience within these young athletes.

We look forward to creating more spaces that encourages the connection between the youth and elders with the Pacific Islander community. Having discussions based on the idea of improving the quality of life for our youth is important especially for those living stateside. Living Islands is committed to supporting our communities and uplifting one another. Thank you to everyone who was apart of making this event possible, all of our youth who participated and our community members who shared their valuable experiences.