FAHWA was founded in Long Beach California by an organizing committee composed of healthcare workers and union organizers in the healthcare field. It’s original name is Filipino-American Health Workers Association (FAHWA).
FAHWA organizes medical and solidarity missions to the Philippines.
FAHWA’s first mission was in September 2010 in Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac, Philippines joined by 6 registered nurses from Las Vegas NV and San Jose CA. This medical mission was co-sponsored by the Alliance of Health Workers and the Council of Health and Development.
The second mission was in 2011 held in Escalante, Negros Occidental in partnership with Negros Integrated Health Program based in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.
The third mission was in November 2013, in response to the devastation caused by super typhoon Haiyan.
The fourth medical and solidarity mission held last September 3-13, 2017 in Basey, Samar joined by 16 registered nurses, respiratory technician, physical therapist and a union organizer. Please see Nella’s report back here.
FAHWA helped organize the New York Recovery Network (NYRN) of New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). NYRN is registered with New York State Department of Corporations. FAHWA Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It has sponsored or assisted medical missions in the following countries and islands:
Philippines (September 2010, July 2011, November 2013 & September 2018)
Puerto Rico (November 1-7 & November 11-19, 2017 & January 2018)
U.S. Virgin Islands (January 2018)
Guatemala (March 2017, March 2018 & October 25-30, 2018)
Mexico (May 2018)
Brazil (June 2018)
Dominican Republic (August 2018)
Vieques, Puerto Rico (November 2018)
Because FAHWA’s membership has grown and its membership expanded and no longer limited to Filipino-Americans, the FAHWA Board of Directors changed its name to Fostering Aide thru Health Workers Alliance (FAHWA). FAHWA’s new name now mirrors the diverse culture and nationalities of FAHWA’s membership.
FAHWA’s Board of Directors:
President: Nella Pineda-Marcon, RN
To join FAHWA, please complete the membership application form and send your annual membership contribution of $60 here.