Categorized | Health

Native Hawaiian health care programs score $9M in federal funds

MEDIA RELEASE

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono has announced the awarding of $9,044,880 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant funding to support Native Hawaiian health centers on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Island of Hawaii.

These grants represent base funding that keeps vital health care providers operational by enabling them to pay for rent, salaries, various overhead, and medications for qualified patients.

Compared to other ethnic populations across America, Native Hawaiians have the highest death rate levels in the categories of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. These Native Hawaiian health care centers provide primary care, dental care, while also offering education and prevention programs.

In addition to these grants, Congresswoman Hirono has also secured $14 million in FY2011 federal appropriations funding for Native Hawaiian Health Care. First established in 1988, the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act authorizes initiatives to promote disease prevention, provide health promotion activities, and increase the number of Native Hawaiians in the health profession.

The four grant funding announcements are being distributed through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act, which is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services:

Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Inc. (Maui) $2,980,450

The mission of Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Inc. is to improve the health status of Native Hawaiians by empowering the present and future generations to be their own health advocates. Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Inc. serves as a “bridge” to the Native Hawaiian community by integrating medical care with traditional Hawaiian values, beliefs and practices.

Hoola Lahui Hawaii (Kauai) $2,399,670

Hoola Lahui Hawaii is a non-profit community health organization that serves Native Hawaiians and their families throughout the county of Kauai. With community health centers in Lihue, Kapaa, and Waimea, Hoola Lahui Hawaii’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of the Garden island community, with an emphasis on culturally appropriate services for Native Hawaiians.

Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi (Hawaii Island) $2,023,370

Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi provides a wide variety of health enhancement services to Native Hawaiians through advocacy, accessibility and education on the island of Hawaii. Services provided by Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi include, but are not limited to, facilitating access to health care through outreach, referrals, transportation and health screening and networking with other health care providers, State and County Agencies, Schools and Community Organizations.

Na Puuwai, Inc. (Molokai) $1,641,390

Na Puuwai, Inc. is the Native Hawaiian Healthcare System for the islands of Molokai (including Kalaupapa) and Lanai. The Lanai unit is known as Ke Ola Hou O Lanai. There are an estimated 6,000 Native Hawaiians residing on the islands of Molokai and Lanai. The programs implemented by Na Puuwai are designed to promote better health and prevent diseases among Native Hawaiians.

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono represents Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes the Neighbor Islands and Oahu’s Leeward, Windward, and North Shore communities. Congresswoman Hirono is a member of the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee.

One Response to “Native Hawaiian health care programs score $9M in federal funds”

  1. Ivory Makanani says:

    As a young native hawaiian woman it frustrates me that these organizations are funded by these federal grants but they make me jump through hoops and hurdles only to tell me that I don’t qualify. I have a lot of health issues such as cancer, diabetes, Graves disease and depression. And now I have dental issues. Abcess teeth that need extraction but my medical will only cover the extraction and absolutely nothing else. Dental procedures are definitely costly and i have searched high and low for something or someone that could help me out with this situation and have only been told they can’t do anything more for me. I have a partial that was only suppose to be temporary but I have had it for 3 years now. It has broken 4 times now and because I can’t afford anything, I do what I have to do and I super glue it. And put it back in my mouth. Embarrassing? Sure. But I have no other choice. What saddens me is to find out that I either have to be a rehabilitated drug addict, or a woman that was in a domestic relationship and got my teeth knocked out of my mouth, or be in prison to qualify for free dental procedures like root canals, dentures or even implants. I just don’t see how this is right. While the rest of us who chooses to live morally and ethically are turned away at a drop of a hat because we don’t make foolish enough choices for ourselves? I have worked since I was 15 yrs old and only about 2yrs ago since I was diagnosed with 2 types of cancer and had to do several rounds of chemo that I have not worked. Since than I have never been the same. My life has been a constant battle. Not just with my health but financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. I guess what I am trying to say is “WHERE IS MY HELP?!” Where is all this federal money really going to? I can tell you that it’s not going to the one’s who truly needs it. Mahalo to whom ever is willing to listen.

    Sincerely
    One frustrated, soon to be teeth less native hawaiian woman

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