Healthy Heart Healthy Family

In the heart of Jersey City’s vibrant and diverse Filipino American community, PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc.) continues to serve as a pillar of support, advocacy, and empowerment. With a deep understanding of the unique cultural and health needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations, PACCAL proudly presents "Healthy Heart, Healthy Family"—a culturally tailored health education and prevention program designed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and improve quality of life.

The Need

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—and it disproportionately affects communities of color, including Filipino Americans. Studies show that Filipinos have among the highest rates of hypertension, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes in the AAPI group. Language barriers, limited access to culturally competent care, and lack of preventive health education contribute to these disparities.

OUR APPROACH

PACCAL’s Healthy Heart, Healthy Family initiative is rooted in community-based, culturally sensitive care. Developed in partnership with public health experts and adapted from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s curriculum, the program emphasizes:

• Heart health education tailored for Filipino families, with bilingual materials (English/Tagalog) and culturally relevant diet and lifestyle guidance.

• Interactive workshops covering nutrition, physical activity, blood pressure management, stress reduction, and chronic disease prevention/

• Community screenings for blood pressure, glucose, BMI, and cholesterol to promote early detection and connection to care.

• Peer educator training to empower local leaders to serve as health advocates within their own families and social networks.

• Family-focused engagement, recognizing that health is a shared responsibility in Filipino households.
  
  

OUR IMPACT

Since its launch, Healthy Heart, Healthy Family has:

• Reached over 300 community members through workshops and health fairs.

• Increased awareness of risk factors and encouraged lifestyle changes in 75% of participants.

• Strengthened trust between community members and local health providers.

• Sparked a movement toward healthier living that honors cultural traditions while embracing modern prevention strategies.
  
  

MOVING FORWARD

With continued support from partners, donors, and volunteers, PACCAL aims to expand the program to reach more families in Hudson County and beyond. We envision a future where every Filipino American family is empowered to take charge of their heart health—together.

IN GRATITUDE

• Partly funded by Hudson County Office of the Aging and Veterans.

• Partly funded by our donors, sponsors, and our gala attendees from PACCAL's Women's History Month.

• Partly funded from our 2025 Event Honorary Chairpersons who have donated towards our programs. Ms. Senen Cabalfin of Mobility Construction and Executive Care of Freehold and Ms. Erlinda Limcaco for which supports most of our programming for 2025.

• Partly funded by our online and by private donors (by mail).

• Participant donation are appreciated.