Hawai‘i Public Health Institute

🌟 Our Community Resource Fair at the Oʻahu Veterans Center was a resourceful event! On July 31, the Oʻahu community came out in full force to connect with local resources, explore career opportunities, and learn about climate change and health initiatives. We were excited to share the free services offered by the Western Environmental Science Technical Assistance Center for Environmental Justice (WEST EJ Center) and provide information on grant opportunities from the EPA and FEMA. A highlight of the event was the presentations by local, national, and federal partners during the EPA’s Community Check-In. A big mahalo to everyone who attended, and let’s continue working together to build a stronger, healthier Oʻahu! 💚 #CommunityResourceFair #OahuCommunity @WESTEJCenter

🌟 Our HIPHI team had an amazing time at the Walk for Health event at Neil S. Blaisdell Park! The Oʻahu community came together to promote health and wellness while supporting some incredible local organizations. Our research team—Mikaella, May Rose, Kat, and Sairel—was there in full force, proudly supporting the cause. We enjoyed a stroll around the park, embraced the chance to learn Escrima, a Filipino martial art, and listened to inspiring words from Dr. Imasa, the founder of the walk. She addressed the continued advocacy for immigrant health, end of poverty, and support for livable wages. We’re especially proud that our CHAP project, led by Ananda, helped sponsor this meaningful event. The Pinerds, our Filipino research team, also came out in full support of the Walk to the Top initiative. This event was about more than just exercise—it was about community, culture, and making a real difference. Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger Oʻahu! 💚 💪 #WalkForHealth #CommunityWellness

🌺 Mahalo to everyone who joined us at the 2024 Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Conference! With the theme “Reaching In, To Reach Out,” we celebrated the incredible dedication of our Community Health Workers, who continue to bridge the gap between health services and our communities. From inspiring keynotes to hands-on breakout sessions, the day was filled with learning, connection, and empowerment. We’d like to take a moment to extend our heartfelt mahalo to our amazing sponsors and exhibitors for making this year’s conference possible: 💚 Hawai‘i Department of Health @HawaiiDOH 💚 Stupski Foundation @stupski-foundation 💚 Hawai‘i Rural Health Association 💚 United Healthcare @UnitedHealthcare 💚 Alohacare @aloha-care 💚 Pear Suite @pear-suite 💚 National Association of Community Health Workers @CHWNational 💚 Hawaiʻi Public Health Workforce Catalyst Lab @hawaii-public-health-workforce-catalyst-lab 💚 Hui Pohala Join the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Association to connect and make a difference: 🔗 hichw.org 🤝 Let’s continue supporting each other as we serve with compassion and unity. Mahalo for all you do! 💙 #HICHWMonth #NACHW #chw #hawaiiCHWA #HICHWConference #HICHWAssociation #communityhealth #community #hawaiicommunity #healthworker #CHWAwarenessMonth

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating wildfires that changed the landscape of Maui and the lives of so many forever. We honor the memories of those we lost and the strength and resilience of the survivors as they rebuild and continue to heal. Anniversaries of traumatic events can bring about a range of emotions, but support is available for those who may be struggling. Mental health resources, including free and low-cost telehealth options, local support groups on Maui, and a list of remembrance events organized by members of the Lahaina and Kula communities, have been compiled at hiphi.org/MauiAid. #MauiStrong #MauiWildfires #MauiResilience #MauiHealing #LahainaStrong #MauiAid #RebuildMaui

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! Vaccines are one of public health’s greatest tools. They have reduced the burden of infectious diseases and saved countless lives globally, especially among infants and children. In the United States, vaccines have been instrumental in reducing cases of polio, measles, hepatitis A, and other infectious diseases that were once widespread and posed significant risks. Staying up-to-date on all vaccinations are important to keep you and your community safe. To learn more about which vaccines are recommended for you or your loved ones, visit https://buff.ly/3WL64QB. #NationalImmunizationMonth #PublicHealth #Vaccines

Join us in recognizing the essential work of Community Health Workers. Follow along as we share stories and highlights all month long! 🙌 Watch the digital story 🎥✨ #CHWAwareness #SupportCHWs #PublicHealth #Hawaii #CommunityHealth #CommunityHealthWorkers #community #healthcare @HawaiiCHWA

Our next Perspectives on Community Health Field Trip will be a Tour of the Waihe‘e Tunnel and Watershed with the Board of Water Supply on August 22! This 1,500-foot dike tunnel in the Ko’olau mountains supplies 40% of the water for Windward O‘ahu, from Kahalu‘u to Kailua. Through this visit, we will learn more about the O'ahu water cycle, the importance of watershed areas, and the facility's history. Due to high demand, all spots have been filled in just a few hours! Be the first to hear about our Perspectives trips by signing up for our email list at hiphi.org/sign-up. We hope to see you on a future trip! #PublicHealth #WaterConservation #PerspectivesOnCommunityHealth

Reposted @officiallahainastrong Displaced Lahaina residents, our voices matter! 🗳️ Even if you’ve had to relocate, you can still vote on a Lahaina ballot in the upcoming election. 🌺 It’s crucial for our displaced ohana to have a voice in this election to ensure our needs and concerns are represented during this critical time of recovery and rebuilding. ✉️ Please make sure your mailing address is updated with the Maui County Clerk’s office so you can receive your ballot. (Make sure to keep your Lahaina address as your residence to get your Lahaina ballot!) There are lots of options to get your ballot in time to vote by mail, or walk in, and lots of critical dates to keep in mind as the Primary Election Day (August 10) gets closer. Let’s rise up together and make our voices heard for the future of Lahaina!

The 2024 elections are coming up fast, with ballots arriving in the mail by July 23! We surveyed all state and local candidates on topics like tobacco, kūpuna care, access to healthy foods, active living, oral health, and more to help you understand where they stand on key public health issues. This is important to know, as our elected officials have a pivotal role in shaping the policies that influence everyday life in Hawai‘i. Learn more about candidates' responses on public health at hiphi.org/survey24 HIPHI is a nonpartisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate running for office. This survey is for informational purposes only. #PublicHealth #HawaiiElections #Vote2024 #HealthyHawaii

Backpacks of Hope, the UNTO-ONE Foundation's annual backpack drive, was held on Saturday, July 13 at the J. Walter Cameron Center. Volunteers from all over the island helped to assemble and distribute the backpacks to Maui keiki and their families. The UNTO-ONE Foundation partnered with our Maui Nui Healthy Eating, Active Living, and Maui Nui Tobacco-Free Coalition @hawaii-public-health-institute, as well as other organizations such as the Maui Food Bank @maui-food-bank, and the Kimokeo Foundation The collaborative effort successfully served over 400 keiki and their families, helping to increase food security while providing access to school supplies to prepare for the upcoming school year. The backpacks were filled with school supplies, and each family received snack bags and produce boxes. Mahalo to the UNTO-ONE Foundation for inviting us to participate - we are grateful to be a part of this service to the community!