Native Hawaiian Health Care Gets Funding

Representative Mazie Hirono News Release
 
Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today 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 keep 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.
 
Na Pu`uwai, Inc. of Molokai received $1,641,390.
 
Na Pu`uwai, 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 Pu`uwai are designed to promote better health and prevent diseases among Native Hawaiians.

Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Inc. of Maui, Ho`ola Lahui Hawaii of Kauai, and Hui Malama Ola Na O`iwi of Hawaii Island also received grant funding through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act which is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.

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