Our Story
The Southern California Pacific Islander Community Response Team (SoCal PICRT) was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities were among those hit hardest. In a time of uncertainty, our community came together to make sure our families were seen, supported, and connected to the resources they needed. What began as an emergency response quickly grew into a coalition of 20 NHPI organizations, faith-based leaders, and community leaders sharing resources and advocating for our communities. One of our first major wins was working with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to ensure NHPI COVID-19 cases and deaths were reported separately, bringing greater visibility to the impact on our communities and inspiring similar advocacy across other counties.
Today, SoCal PICRT continues that spirit of collective action, bringing together partners serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Central Valley, the Inland Empire, and San Diego County. What started as a response to a crisis has grown into a powerful network rooted in community, culture, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping our NHPI communities thrive.
Our Coalition
