Arkansas wodde Jippel nan Ajmour
Why does it matter that we prevent diabetes in the Marshallese community? What does a healthy community look like? To answer these questions, we need to go back in time. Before processed foods were introduced into the islands, many Marshallese were very healthy and very active. After the war and nuclear bombs destroyed our natural resources, we had no choice, but to eat the foods that were provided by outsiders. The war brought us many health issues. The after-affect lead to diabetes. But there is hope. The Pacific Islander Diabetes Prevention Program (PI-DPP) is educating, advocating, and empowering many of us to prevent diabetes and be more proactive with our health and well-being. Our approach is person-centered, family-oriented, cultural, and holistically focused. Because we know that we are all in this together, for life, a healthy life.
In these photos, we honor the heart of Marshallese health and our people. Through ACOM’s community health worker model, we uplift the wisdom, stories, and lived experiences that guide our families toward wellness. Our staff walk alongside the community, not ahead of it, using narrative change to replace stigma with strength, silence with voice, and barriers with belonging. This is what it looks like when health is community‑centered, culture‑rooted, and carried forward by the collective power of our Marshallese and Pasifika people. Together, we rise in care, in identity, and in the shared commitment to keep our people thriving. Leading by example, walking with clients for health, hosting events such as Marshallese Women’s Health Conference, Marshallese Men’s Group aka AenEmmaan, Tolemour Youth Leadership Program, Health clinics and outreach, and many more.
