Kababayan, we are in this together.
Third round of COVID-19 test kits for free are now available
by Tayo Editorial Desk Staff | Published on May 24, 2022 – Updated on May 24, 2022
As more transmissible sub-variants of Omicron rages across parts of the world, another round of free COVID-19 test kits is now available for the American public.
“As the highly transmissible sub-variants of Omicron drive a rise in cases in parts of the country, free and accessible tests will help slow the spread of the virus,” according to a statement from the Biden administration last May 17, 2022.
So how do you get your hands on these free test kits?
A simple way would be to go to the website https://www.covid.gov/tests and click on the button link which will take you to the US Postal Service ordering site to fill out your order details. The site also offers the following 1-800 numbers for assistance in ordering, 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
The Tayo Help Desk Call Center is available to provide assistance in ordering over the phone (note that details for the order will be asked over the phone by our representative) by calling 1-800-899-5090 available Monday to Friday from 9 AM-5 PM Pacific. Calls are offered both in English and Filipino.
Remember that the free test kits are Rapid Antigen At-Home Tests, not RT-PCR tests. Each order will consist of 8 Rapid Antigen test kits which will come in two separate packages (4 kits each), each with its own tracking number. The packages are shipped for free.
These tests can be taken anywhere and would give you results in 30 minutes plus there’s no need to drop them off at a lab. These are also referred to as OTC test kits or self-tests and work whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms, or whether or not you are updated with your COVID-19 vaccination.
It’s best practice to take these tests if you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, fever, loss of sense of taste or smell, and if you came in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 5 days, according to the CDC. It is also advisable to take this test prior to going to a gathering especially if you will be in contact with those at risk of severe disease or not updated with their COVID-19 vaccination.
The government website https://www.covid.gov/tests further provides guidance on what to do next if you test positive referring to CDC guidance for isolation. It also refers to CDC guidance for self-testing if you test negative.
Testing is only one step to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and others from COVID-19 and highly encourages wearing well-fitted face masks, social distancing, and getting up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
1. With reports from covid.gov and whitehouse.gov briefing room statements and releases dated May 17, 2022
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Read moreFYLPRO’s Tayo Launches Call Center to Answer COVID-19 Questions from Community’s Most Vulnerable Members
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Leezel Tanglao
May 3, 2022
FYLPRO’s Tayo Launches Call Center to Answer COVID-19 Questions from Community’s Most Vulnerable Members
Los Angeles, CA — In an expansion of its COVID-19 resources, the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), through its Tayo project, announces the launch of a call center to assist community members with their pressing pandemic-related questions.
Beginning as a virtual help desk in the fall of 2020, Tayo has since continuously diversified its culturally tailored offerings to connect Filipinos with vital information and services, battle misinformation, and improve the collection of data through initiatives like educational webinars, surveys, public service announcement campaigns, and health clinics.
On May 4, 2022, Tayo will bolster its help desk capabilities by piloting a dedicated hotline to address the needs of Filipinos in the diaspora who may not have adequate access to trustworthy and reliable COVID-related information online.
“Creating this call center is a natural extension of the work and mission of Tayo – to empower our community by meeting them where they are at and providing them with essential information,” said Leezel Tanglao, Tayo project director and president of FYLPRO. “It’s truly going full circle as we leverage our network and resources both here in the United States and in the Philippines to bridge the gap.”
More than ever a resource like this is needed to ensure accurate and culturally tailored information is available to all members of the Filipino community as the pandemic continues to evolve while official guidance can run counter or is often confusing.
FYLPRO was inspired to develop the call center after evaluating insights gleaned from users of Tayo’s web-based platform and determining that seniors in particular felt more comfortable talking to someone on the phone rather than searching through a website for information.
The call center operates from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and is available in English and Tagalog.
Callers can call 1 (800) 899-5090 to reach a representative who can address questions on where to get a booster shot or to find a COVID-19 test.
The call center pilot is made possible by a grant from the Booz Allen Foundation, which also funded the initial launch of the virtual help desk (tayohelp.com).
“We’re proud to have played a part in supporting FYLPRO’s work to use innovation and technology to make such a positive difference for the Filipino community,” said Christine Hoisington, Executive Director of the Booz Allen Foundation. “We’re impressed with their efforts and impact.”
The call center pilot will run for 3 months.
The call center launch team includes a diverse multidisciplinary team from across the United States: Tayo project director Leezel Tanglao, project manager Brian Tajo, product counsel Mark Calaguas, medical advisor Dr. Melissa Palma, technologist and special project manager Jobel Vecino, fellowship director Krystle Canare, and risk mitigator/creative consultant TJ Simba-Medel.
Operations manager Joselito Alampayan and call representative Dhian Perez are based in the Philippines.
“The insights and learnings from this pilot will help inform how we better serve our community and as we continue to navigate life with COVID-19,” said Tanglao. “This is to ensure no one is left behind just because they don’t have access to technology.”
About Tayo
Tayo, a project of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), is an innovative data hub that empowers Filipinx/a/o communities by collecting data, fostering partnerships, publishing culturally relevant insights, and developing leaders to create an equitable and sustainable future.
For more information:
About FYLPRO
The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a network of high performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries.
We continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora. By connecting them to the motherland, we foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the global Filipino community.
For more information:
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Read moreApplications open: FYLPRO 2022 Tayo Fellowship Program
FYLPRO Tayo Fellowship Program
Tayo Fellow
Tayo is seeking its third cohort of fellows to support the ongoing operations of the Tayo help desk platform and the upcoming launch of its Tayo call center. The fellowship is a virtual program and will run from June 5 – August 22, 2022. We are unable to offer monetary compensation at the moment, but please see the below list of other benefits this position offers.
Why Join Us?
FYLPRO is looking for dynamic content creators who want to focus their talents to help the Filipino American community navigate the COVID-19 health crisis.
In October 2020, FYLPRO launched a web help desk, “Tayo” designed for seniors, unemployed individuals, and front line workers with information to make decisions to safeguard their health and well being during the pandemic. Firmly believing that we are the agents of change, and the custodians of our own community, FYLPRO mobilized experts, content creators, and service providers in the areas of medicine and medical research, mental health, government assistance and response, transportation, and social services to provide credible, timely, and community-specific information.
Since the Fall of 2020, previous FYLPRO Tayo Fellows collectively engaged in the following projects:
- Researched and authored over 500+ articles on Tayohelp.com website
- Developed assets and executed social media campaigns on Tayo’s multiple platforms
- Produced a range of short to long-form culturally-relevant videos
- Conducted environmental scan of Filipino American organizations and initiatives in the Greater Los Angeles area
- Conducted interviews to identify needs of Filipino Americans during COVID-19
- Produced interactive community event, “Together sa Tayo” to bring together Filipino Americans during COVID-19
- Presented at National Council on Mental Wellbeing’s Annual Conference
- Supported Tayo COVID-19 Vaccine Survey Design & Webinar Dissemination Efforts
- Curated a viral dance video for the Department of Health & Human Services
- Curated COVID-19 PSAs for the Filipino community in English & Tagalog
- Participated in leadership sessions with FYLPRO alumni, discussing topics such as:
- Combating Misinformation with Leezel Tanglao
- Self-Care is Community Care with Krystle Canare & TJ Simba-Medel
- Navigating the Workplace as a Pinay with Anna Marie Cruz, Lauren Lalicon, Ryann Tanap, Jessica Velasco
- Graduate School: The Decision, Application & Lessons Learned with Melissa Dargan, Brian Tajo, Christal Simanski, Earl Valencia
- Leveraging Your Community Experience in the Job-Search Process with Frederick Docdocil and Philjay Solar Why you?
As someone who cares about the Filipino American community, you want to empower seniors, unemployed individuals, and frontline workers with the information they need to safeguard their health and well being. You are frustrated with the misinformation, and lack of relevant updates and trustworthy information that directly impacts the Filipino American community.
About the Role
As a Tayo Fellow, your goal will be to create relevant information to help Filipino Americans safeguard their health, well being, and economic security during the pandemic. You will play the vital role of identifying important information and creating content that makes it understandable, accessible, and actionable for our target population- Filipino seniors and their caregivers, unemployed Filipinos, and Filipino frontline workers.
A panel of subject experts, and recognized leaders in their respective fields, will advise you on pertinent developments, and guide you to where you can seek resources. They will review your work and provide you with feedback.
You will specialize in two or more of the following areas:
- Health, Mental Health and Wellness
- Medical Advancements and Practical Research related to COVID-19
- Government Assistance and Benefits
- Small Business Assistance
- Immigration and Travel
- Mobility, Transportation, and Home Service/Delivery
- Safety and Transmission Prevention
On a weekly basis you will:
- Identify credible sources of information such as policy think tanks, government agencies, professional and industry associations, business associations, and social service providers.
- Attend and participate in information sessions, webinars, and briefings to gather relevant information and updates and summarize the findings;
- Proactively track developments in the subject area for which you are responsible
- You will write short and long form content weekly
- Attend a weekly coordination meeting, and bi-weekly 1:1 editorial meetings
- Estimated 3-5 hours per week
Desired Qualifications
- Policy or public health research experience
- Ability to write for Limited English proficiency populations
- Short form video editing and production skills
- Familiarity or proximity to the Los Angeles Community is a plus
How might you benefit from participating?
As a writer and content creator, you want to hone your skills, by working with leaders in media, technologists, and subject matter experts. You have an interest in deepening your knowledge by working directly with experts in the fields of Medicine and Medical Research; Mental Health; Government Assistance; Law and Policy; Transportation, Travel, and Mobility; and Social Services for Senior citizens. Beyond the COVID-19 crisis, you will have, through FYLPRO, a network of young Filipino professionals who are well positioned in their respective fields, and want to help you navigate your career, by connecting you with mentors, and advocates for you.
In addition, other benefits will include: sponsorship to membership of a professional association of your choice, opportunity to publish and write for the FYLPRO website and contribute to the final published article of project findings.
You will also have an opportunity to connect with FYLPRO’s membership which includes a network of Filipinos who are leaders in their respective fields. You can learn more about the FYLPRO COVID response team here: http://fylpro.org/covidresponseteam/
For students at education institutions, we would be happy to sponsor field study units. Please consult with your academic advisor prior to applying for this program, to see if it qualifies for units at your institution of learning.
Questions? Contact Krystle Canare, FYLPRO Fellowship Director – krystle.canare@fylpro.org
How to Apply
Due 5/18/2022 at 11:59pm ET
Read moreFYLPRO Tayo Team selected to implement a national whole health program for Filipino American youth.
The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)'s Tayo was one of five community-based organizations selected by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to implement Achieving Whole Health (AWH), a national training program designed to improve holistic outcomes in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Next week, five members of FYLPRO’s Tayo team will participate in an intensive training program consisting of a 3-day virtual training and four follow-up coaching sessions with AWH program founder, Dr. DJ Ida, Executive Director of the National Asian American & Pacific Islander Mental Health Association.
The AWH program provides creative, interactive, and culturally relevant ways of improving both health and mental health outcomes for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities. It fills a critical need by drawing on the strengths of community members to train them to become Wellness Coaches. They learn how to take an active role in improving their own health as well as learning ways to help others.
The FYLPRO Tayo Team will be represented by Chachie Abara (Honolulu, HI), Nichole Dungo (Menifee, CA), Carina Gregorio (Los Angeles, CA), Maileen Mamaradlo (Pittsburg, CA), and Aryelle Montecer (Germantown, MD). The team will be supervised by Tayo Fellowship Director Krystle Canare (Waldorf, MD).
We are excited to offer this program to members in the community. For more information about the program, please e-mail: kcanare@fylpro.org.
About Tayo
Tayo was developed by FYLPRO’s COVID-19 Task Force in response to the ongoing pandemic and to tackle the specific needs of Filipinos in the diaspora and back home. The project features a virtual help desk, Tayo, which connects Filipinos with vital information and services. Tayo's pilot launch location is Los Angeles, California.
About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)
FILIPINO YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM (FYLPRO) is a network of high-performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries.
We continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora. By connecting them to the motherland, we foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the global Filipino community.
For more information:
Read more