Department of Health receives $2.2 million federal grant to address pediatric mental health in Hawaiʻi
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is one of 30 states to receive a $2.2 million federal Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) grant, providing the state $445,000 a year for the next five years, $2.2 million total, to address pediatric mental health care for children and youth ages 3 to 21 years. The purpose of the PMHCA program is to promote behavioral health integration into pediatric primary care using telehealth, which has drastically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb spreading the disease and to lessen the burden on hospitals and doctors’ offices. “During this critical time, [...]
Oʻahu selected for federal pilot program to provide one million free at-home COVID-19 tests
Oʻahu residents in eligible ZIP codes can order free COVID-19 test kits while supplies last at COVIDTestHonolulu.org HONOLULU – Oʻahu was selected for a federal pilot program that will provide free at-home COVID-19 test kits to eligible residents. The Say Yes! COVID Test At-Home Testing Challenge will provide 125,000 Oʻahu residents who live in eligible ZIP codes with eight rapid antigen tests. The program encourages participants to use the tests twice a week for four weeks, regardless of symptoms, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep the community healthy. “Free, rapid, self-administered testing will give community members one more [...]
CDC report highlights Hawaiʻi effort to address COVID-19 health disparities through improving data
HONOLULU – A new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report authored by Hawaiʻi researchers demonstrates the value of separating public health data in order to identify and address racial disparities. Data collected by the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) revealed racial disparities in COVID-19 infections and death. Race and ethnicity can serve as markers for underlying systemic and structural inequities that drive health disparities. This data informed DOH’s COVID-19 response and emphasized the need to prevent and reduce inequities in social determinants of health, access to health care, and health conditions. Click here to read the report. “These [...]
Free COVID Testing Available at Four New Oʻahu Sites
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has added four new COVID-19 testing locations on Oʻahu. Testing is available at: ElixRX Pharmacy Kailua on Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Kaiser Permanente Nanaikeola Clinic Parking on Sundays and Mondays from 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. Mililani Recreational Center 6 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pearl City Shopping Center on Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Testing is offered by DOH, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii Consortium and independent pharmacies. The four Oʻahu sites join seven neighbor island [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health issues second red placard to Doner Shack for non-payment of $3000 fine and permit renewal fees
HONOLULU - The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has issued a Cease and Desist Order and a red “closed” placard to Doner Shack at 79 South Pauahi Street in Honolulu for failing to renew its state permit and failing to pay a $3,000 judgement, from a contested hearing case, against the establishment’s owner Donald Moriarity in June 2021. The food establishment permit for Doner Shack expired on Sept.10, 2021. Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 50, Food Safety Code, requires that food establishments pay all outstanding fines to DOH or they shall not have their food establishment permit [...]
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Start by Listening and Being Aware of the Emotional State of Others The pandemic has not only taken a toll on the physical health of Hawai‘i residents, but also on our mental health. There has been an increase in anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges during this pandemic. Some of this is the result of isolation and disruptions in our relationships and our usual way of doing things. With the eviction moratorium and federal unemployment support ending, many are worried about how they will put food on the table for their family and if they will join the ranks [...]
Federal resources to bolster administration of monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19
HONOLULU – A federal team of 30 civilians is being deployed to Hawaiʻi to administer monoclonal antibody therapy to treat COVID-19 patients. Increasing access to monoclonal antibody therapy will decrease severe illness in individuals recently infected with COVID-19, providing relief to Hawaii’s hospitals. Monoclonal antibody therapy is not a substitute for vaccination. Monoclonal antibodies help the immune system temporarily respond to the immediate infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued Emergency Use Authorization for a number of monoclonal antibody therapies that serve as early treatment after a COVID-19 diagnosis. “Targeted use of monoclonal antibodies could keep Hawaiʻi COVID-19 patients [...]
Rising to the Challenge to Address Rising COVID-19 Cases
Healthcare professionals in Hawaii’s hospitals have been working tirelessly to meet the needs of patients of all ages, especially those in intensive care units, to provide vitally needed care and to prevent deaths. However, many other caring professionals are working behind the scenes — without fanfare and attention — to address the rising number of cases. Their contributions are critically important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our state. The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division has two such dedicated individuals, who have been volunteering to help with testing: Joanna Seto, P.E., Environmental Management Division Chief, and [...]
New DOH Reports Underscore Toll of Delta Variant
HONOLULU – Two new Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) reports illustrate how the highly transmissible delta variant is sweeping across the state. “These reports reinforce what we know about the alarming increase in cases across Hawai‘i. Delta is different—it is twice as transmissible as other variants,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death, including from the delta variant. It’s critical that Hawaiʻi residents take precautions to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 and preserve healthcare capacity.” DOH released a new cluster report identifying 70 COVID-19 clusters statewide, totaling [...]
Hawaiʻi Surpasses 10,000 Active COVID-19 Cases
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health reports the state has surpassed 10,000 new COVID-19 cases in the past 14-days and a record high one-day case count today. 10,817 cases were documented in the last 14 days, including 1,678 today. The 10,817 infections reported in the past 14 days are considered a proxy number for active cases. “This tidal wave of cases is straining our ability to respond at all levels—our hospitals, our labs and even our morgues are nearing or at capacity,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “We have not yet reached the peak of this surge, [...]