Partnerships and Collaboration
Filipinx/a/o Americans (FilAMS), are the third-largest Asian American group in the US. They are frequently invisible in health services research and policy, and consequently, are an afterthought in resource allocation decisions. This paper highlights historical and modern practices that impinge on FilAm health. FilAms, who experience long standing health disparities, are heavily engaged in front line health care work, but also have pre-existing health conditions and are likely to live in multigenerational household, both factors that contribute to the burden of COVID-19. Mental health concerns, elevated among front-line and essential workers during the pandemic, were compounded by anti-Asian racism and violence. The authors encourage strategies such as naming neocolonial forces that devalue and neglect FilAms, and making changes to the data collection infrastructure to facilitate the allocation of appropriate resources. Recommendations: investments that prioritize community needs, equitable resource sharing, community-led efforts, and empower communities through capacity building and interdisciplinary research.