One hundred people turned out for Linfield’s Asian Culture and Health Connection event.
The Linfield student chapter of the Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA) hosted the celebration at Linfield’s Portland Campus. Students, faculty, staff and members of the public were treated to an authentic Thai dinner and an evening of entertainment and education.
A fashion show featuring students, faculty and staff kicked off the evening’s entertainment, and was followed by a panel discussion with guest speakers Holden Leung, executive director of the Asian Health and Services Center, and Joseph Santos-Lyons, coordinator for the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon. They provided insight into the healthcare needs of local Asian and Pacific Islander communities, efforts to eliminate healthcare disparities, and efforts to initiate change at the state and public policy level. The evening closed with Filipino dance performances by the Maharlika Dance Troupe, a Thai dance by Phoebe Woonprasert and a vocal performance by Melody Donoghue.
“The event was a unique opportunity to celebrate Asian culture and raise awareness of Asian healthcare disparities,” said student Donna Talain, the Linfield chapter leader of AAPINA.
The event raised money for Mercy Corps’ China Earthquake Fund, and local efforts to address healthcare disparities.
Linfield multicultural students speak out (video)
Support for multicultural nursing students at Linfield
Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association
