Pacific Islander & Tongan Assistance

Pacific Diabetes Prevention Education Programme

We have recently learned of the Eat Healthy, Be Active program for Pacific Islanders. Some of you may already be aware of this program, but for those who are not, this course has been developed under the direction of the Pacific Area Presidency and is similar to the other courses in the self-reliance program. 

There is a manual for facilitators and one for participants with 12 lessons for the entire course. These manuals are only available electronically - we have attached them here - but you may choose to have them printed based on the bishop’s approval and at the ward’s expense. You will also notice that facilitators are asked to “Have a qualified medical professional administer blood glucose screenings in lessons 1, 6 and 12.” However, after consulting with Elder Hill (serving in the Parkview ward) who is a licensed medical doctor, these screenings should be conducted by the individual participant’s own doctor due to HIPAA and other privacy laws in the U.S. 

Because the course has been developed for more localized application, certificates of completion do not include credit through Ensign College like the other self-reliance courses and only accommodate the signature of the facilitator. We invite you to consult with your ward’s bishop and self-reliance specialist as to whether this course is one that could be effective in your ward.

The National Tongan American Society

The National Tongan American Society is a non-profit organization to advocate for and empower all Tongan-Americans and other Pacific Islanders by strengthening the Pacific Island family by promoting health, education, cultural preservation and civic engagement.  Their Health Outreach program offers classes on diabetes Prevention and living with chronic Conditions.  Free or affordable health screening available to the Pacific Island community include:

• Free cancer screening.
• Physical activity promotion with local Zumba classes
• Community Park Walks
• Nutrition and diet education to promote healthy eating

They also advocate for civic engagement by helping with voter registration and citizenship assistance.  

The Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition

(UPIHC) seeks to improve quality of life for Pacific Islanders and the communities they live in throughout the state of Utah through health promoting efforts including public health education, preventive wellness services, and health policy advocacy.