Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) unites Asians and Pacific Islanders to build power, develop leaders, and advance equity through organizing, advocacy, community development, and cultural work.
NIRH partnered with APANO in 2015-2016 to educate and mobilize their communities and local officials to ensure inclusive health coverage. APANO and its We Are BRAVE coalition partners met with county commissioners and held a board briefing with full support of the Multnomah County Health Department that included twenty written testimonies. At events held around Hyde Week of Action and after the general election, APANO received widespread community support, indicating their unique position for increased community advocacy and engagement. Their continued efforts have built support for a Multnomah County proclamation or resolution, and have provided an opportunity to build awareness around a proactive statewide bill that APANO is also supporting. In 2015, we worked with APANO to advance a Multnomah County resolution on the importance of insurance coverage for the full spectrum of reproductive health services, including abortion.