WAPIFASA is the only organization specifically developed to address ATOD issues in the API community. WAPIFASA, originally the King County Asian and Pacific Islander Alcohol/Drug Task Force (APIAD), was formed in the fall of 1990 by concerned Asian American /Pacific Islander community members and the King County Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services(KCDASAS) to address alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in the AAPI community. Initially, KCDASAS provided staff support for the APIAD Task Force.
In 1992, the organization was restructured into an independent functioning group which led to the name change to the Washington Asian Pacific Islander Families Against Substance Abuse. In 1993, WAPIFASA applied for and obtained its status as a non-profit organization. In 1994, WAPIFASA received its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. In May 1996, WAPIFASA was approved and certified as a chemical dependency provider by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. In late 1996, WAPIFASA was awarded funding from the King County Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse to provide outpatient treatment to AAPI children/youth. Approximately 30 children/youth and their families are served through outpatient treatment each year.
