Case and Kahele Announce Millions in Federal Funding To Support Efforts To Combat COVID-19Funding Will Increase Equitable Access to COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing, and Treatment among Native Hawaiian Populations
Honolulu, HI,
August 13, 2021
(Honolulu, HI) - Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) and Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02) today announced that $20 million has been released to Native Hawaiian health care entities to aid their response to COVID-19. This funding is being distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It provides six Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act (NHHCIA) award recipients resources to strengthen vaccination efforts, respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and enhance health care services and infrastructure in their communities. “This announcement comes at a time when COVID-19 cases have risen dramatically throughout the islands, and hospital capacity to deal with those sickened by the virus stretched to the limit,” said Case. “I am grateful that this assistance will help to prevent those vaccinated from severe illness or death.” “Hawaiʻi is experiencing a record high of COVID-19 cases. This funding will provide our Native Hawaiian communities with much-needed resources to increase vaccination efforts that will help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Kahele. “Earlier today Congressman Case and I met with Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States in Hilo to discuss issues important to Native Hawaiians and their families. Access to quality health care, especially during the pandemic is crucial. This assistance will certainly help protect our most vulnerable.” "This latest round of American Rescue Plan funding is another piece of the Biden-Harris Administration's continued effort to support underserved communities that have been most affected by the pandemic," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "This funding will help trusted Native Hawaiian health systems continue providing life-saving resources and care to their communities." "Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act award recipients understand the needs of Native Hawaiians and have partnerships with organizations in their communities," said Acting HRSA Administrator Diana Espinosa. "This uniquely positions them to increase equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment, as well as needed comprehensive primary care.” The recipients are listed below:
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