The goals of this exploratory project are to share the results from the Pacific Islander American Health Study (PIAHS) with up to six leaders or national health advocates from the US Territories? American Samoa, Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Freely Associated States?Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau at the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health Disparity and Health Equity Conference 2012, and to develop best-practices for measuring the health and well-being of Pacific Peoples. The theme of the conference is ?Envision the Future: Translating Research Into Healthy Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities?. This unique opportunity will enable the USAPIs to participate in national efforts to increase the availability and quality of health data on Pacific Peoples, identify disparities and inform efforts to reduce them, ultimately improving the quality of health and public health in the insular areas. The 3 specific aims of the proposed project are: Aim 1: To request travel funds for a total of six leaders or national health advocates representing the US Territories and Freely Associated States to attend the NHPI Health Disparity and Health Equity Conference in California on September 24-25, 2012; Aim 2: To introduce participants from the insular areas to the results of the Pacific Islander American Health Study and scientific research methods for robust data collection of numerically small but densely clustered populations like Pacific Islanders; and Aim 3: To provide leaders from the insular areas the opportunity to network with NHPI community stakeholders, scientists, health advocates, policy makers and philanthropic leaders.

The University of Michigan?s Institute for Social Research, which is organizing the NHPI health disparity and health equity conference will extend invitations to the health leaders and apply DOI, OIA funds toward round-trip transportation to Los Angeles, California, registration, hotel accommodation at the conference venue and per diem. A copy of the Pacific Islander American Health Study Report, program and conference proceedings and strategy for Next Steps will be submitted to the DOI-OIA. The agency will also be recognized as a sponsor on conference materials and at the conference site.