Categorized | Health

Gabbard at Aloha Rural Healthcare Summit

MEDIA RELEASE

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard delivered keynote remarks at the Aloha Rural Healthcare Summit in Honolulu Wednesday morning, and engaged in a discussion with dozens of executives and administrators from healthcare facilities across the state, as they gathered to tackle common challenges in providing access to affordable care for HawaiÊ»i’s rural communities.

Gabbard also presented a congressional update on initiatives relevant to Hawaii rural healthcare, explained the benefits of Hawaii earning “Frontier” designation to boost eligibility for certain federal grants and programs, responded to questions from the group, and participated in a facilitated discussion to strengthen rural healthcare opportunities in every corner of the state.

“I’ve visited several Community Health Centers and Critical Access Hospitals throughout the state and witnessed the challenges brought on by remote locations, lack of funding, and staff shortages. I’ve been working with them to help solve these challenges and create greater access to care in our rural and underserved communities,” Gabbard said. “Today’s summit created a venue for greater collaboration to improve our rural healthcare system. A plan with specific action items to move forward is in place, and I’m excited to work with these leaders as we advocate with a unified voice for the health and wellbeing of Hawaii’s people.”

“It was terrific that Congresswoman Gabbard was here today because I believe she can set the tone for us in terms of better collaboration and be a real champion for improving access to quality healthcare,” said Robert Hirokawa, president of the Hawaii Primary Care Association.

Organizations represented at the summit include: Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kahuku Medical Center, Molokai General Hospital, Hale Hoola Hamakua, Kohala Hospital, Hawaii Pacific Health, Community Clinic of Maui, Kauai Community Health Center, Hamakua Health Center, Hawaii Department of Health, Office of Rural Health, Rural Health Flex Program, Kula Hospital, Lanai Community Hospital, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Bay Clinic (Hilo), Hawaii Primary Care Association, Cardon Outreach, and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (Kauai and State Office).

Gabbard will continue her series of Hawaii meetings, events, and site visits that are focused on improving access to affordable healthcare for Hawaii residents, rural communities, and Native Hawaiians throughout the month.

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