Native Hawaiian health centers receive $9 million in U.S. grant funds

HONOLULU—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded approximately $9 million in grant funding to support Native Hawaiian health centers on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island.

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 and dental care while also offering education and prevention programs.

In addition to these grants, $14 million in FY2011 federal appropriations funding were also secured 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.

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 O’iwi (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, 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.