NYC's Largest Filipino Health Initiative Returns as Community Faces Persistent Healthcare Barriers

The 2024 event brought together 160+ community members who received 85+ health services, with participants rating their experience an average 4.8/5 stars. Last year's fair resulted in multiple attendees being connected to ongoing healthcare and led to new partnerships between participating organizations, creating a year-round support network.

Recent studies show Filipino Americans have a 60% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than the general population, yet 40% report language barriers prevent them from seeking regular care. The COVID-19 pandemic particularly impacted Filipino families and healthcare workers throughout the region, further highlighting persistent healthcare access challenges.

The 2025 health fair will provide blood pressure screenings, blood sugar screening, stroke & exercise screening, dental examinations, and insurance enrollment assistance. All services are delivered by Filipino and Filipino-American medical professionals who understand the community's cultural and linguistic needs. Educational presentations will be offered in both English and Filipino on Filipino health issues. The event will also feature cultural performances, free food and entertainment, and Filipino community vendors.

"This health fair represents Filipino values of taking care of our community," said Natalie Badillo, Publicity Chair of AFSA and Community Engagement Co-Chair of CYFAM. "When one of our attendees finally understood her diabetes management plan because our doctor explained it in Tagalog, that's when we knew this fair was filling a critical gap in our healthcare system."

The event includes health education talks and community resource information. Over 20 Filipino organizations participate to provide comprehensive support services. The fair has become a model for community-led healthcare initiatives, with organizations from other cities inquiring about replicating the collaborative approach.

"Collaborating with the NYC Filipino Community Health Fair allows us to directly serve families who face significant barriers to healthcare access. The power of bringing multiple community groups together in one space created invaluable networking and partnerships that continue long after the event ended. We've seen tremendous growth in collaboration between organizations that may never have connected otherwise," said a representative from a community partner organization.

The health fair operates through collaborative partnerships with community organizations, healthcare institutions, and advocacy groups. Organizations seeking to support the Filipino Health Fair can explore sponsorship, volunteer, and partnership opportunities at tiny.cc/FHF25Collab. The 2024 event was supported by Kalusugan Coalition, Philippine American Physiatrist Association, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) NY, Malaya NY, Gabriela NY, and Damayan Migrant Workers Association.

The health fair is free and open to all community members. Families can register at tiny.cc/NYCFHF25 or call (929) 265-2857, or attend walk-in on the day of the event.

For media inquiries, interview opportunities, or additional information, contact: Natalie Badillo, Publicity Chair (AFSA), Community Engagement Co-Chair (CYFAM)
Email: nataliedeana.badillo@gmail.com
Phone: (347) 695-7155

EVENT DETAILS
Date: July 26, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: APICHA Jackson Heights, 82-11 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Cost: Free to all attendees
Registration: tiny.cc/NYCFHF25 or call (929) 265-2857, or walk-in welcome

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS
Association of Filipino Scientists in America (AFSA) advances Filipino representation in science while leveraging collective expertise to serve communities in the Philippines and the United States.
Council of Young Filipino Americans in Medicine (CYFAM) empowers emerging Filipino healthcare professionals through mentorship, advocacy, and community service.
Migrante NY advocates for the rights and welfare of Filipino immigrants and overseas workers in the New York area.
Together, these organizations work to address health equity and strengthen community connections throughout New York City.