On February 17, 2026, HALO had the privilege of joining the Iu Mien community in celebrating the Lunar New Year — a time of renewal, gratitude, and hope.

This annual celebration is a meaningful opportunity for families to honor cultural traditions, reconnect with loved ones, and strengthen community bonds.

HALO was proud to stand alongside Iu Mien Community Services (IMCS) and our valued partner Health Net to support this important event in a way that combined cultural celebration with preventive healthcare.

A Community Partnership in Action

In the weeks leading up to February 17, HALO collaborated closely with Health Net and IMCS to plan and host a flu vaccination clinic during the Lunar New Year celebration at the George Sim Center in Sacramento.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to:

• Delivering preventive care in accessible, community-based settings
  
• Reducing barriers related to language, transportation, and cost
  
• Supporting underserved families and elders
  
• Building trust through culturally responsive outreach
  
  

The collaboration between Halo and Health Net allowed licensed providers and trained clinical staff to administer flu vaccines in a safe, welcoming environment. By offering care within a trusted community gathering, we were able to meet people where they are,  both culturally and physically.

Supporting the Celebration

HALO’s involvement extended beyond the vaccination clinic.

The HALO Support Organization donated:

• One whole pig
• Three 50-pound bags of rice

These traditional foods symbolize abundance and prosperity for the year ahead. Each participant who stopped by the HALO table received a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of the donated items.

In the event photos, you will see three Iu Mien participants who won bags of rice and one lucky winner who took home the whole pig. The excitement and joy shared by the winners reflected the strong sense of connection that defines this celebration.

Why Flu Vaccination Matters

Flu vaccination is an important part of preventive care, especially for:

• Elders
• People living with chronic health conditions
• Families with young children

Providing vaccines on site helps:

• Reduce the risk of flu-related illness
• Support community-wide prevention
• Make preventive care easier to access for those who may otherwise delay or avoid services
  
  

Vaccines were administered by licensed clinical staff, and HALO team members were available to answer questions so individuals and families could make informed decisions.

A Meaningful Moment of Recognition

During the event, HALO leadership was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from Iu Mien Community Services in recognition of efforts to strengthen the partnership between HALO and IMCS.

This recognition reflects the collective work of our entire team and our partners. True community health is built on trust, collaboration, and respect for cultural traditions.

Working Together for Community Health

The Iu Mien community includes many families who came to the United States as refugees and who may continue to face barriers to preventive healthcare due to language, cultural, or systemic challenges. Celebrations such as Lunar New Year provide meaningful opportunities to connect in spaces where families feel comfortable and respected.

Through collaboration with Health Net and Iu Mien Community Services, HALO is working to reduce preventable illness, improve access to care, and strengthen the overall health of Sacramento’s diverse communities.

We are grateful to celebrate alongside the Iu Mien community and look forward to continuing this important partnership in the years ahead.

See the Celebration in Photos

We invite you to view highlights from the February 17, 2026 Lunar New Year celebration, including our vaccination clinic, raffle winners, and special moments of recognition.