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HealthyPacific.org blog

Check back regularly for updates, action items, events, and other news on the Health Justice front!

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Federal Officials  Exchange with COFA Community in Honolulu

8/25/2014

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Last Friday, officials and representatives from the federal Department of Justice, Department of Education, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Interior met with members of the COFA community as well as diplomats and leaders from the COFA nations, to discuss issues facing COFA residents in Hawai'i, and how federal agencies may support the community's efforts to address these issues.  Representatives from Hawai'i's Congressional delegation also attended the meeting, which was coordinated with and held at Kokua Kalihi Valley.

Issues discussed included access to federal healthcare safety nets, the need for education and youth empowerment, bullying and discrimination in public schools, and citizenship issues related to military service.


"My daughter came home and told me she no longer wanted to go to school, because someone said she was ugly because she was Micronesian," related one parent.  "I told her to go back to school, and to tell the person who told her those things that that she loves them -- and that she is proud to be Micronesian."  
Esther Kia'aina, Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas at the Department of the Interior, urged attendees to be flexible and practical in addressing concerns, particularly given the austere climate and high levels of conflict in Washington, D.C.  With respect to Medicaid access, Kiaʻaina noted that these political circumstances may inhibit the passage of laws expanding federal entitlement programs or increasing "Compact Impact" aid to states.  Kia'aina identified existing federal grant opportunities and suggested that grant monies might be applied towards a centralized COFA resource center or services directory, as a practical first step for the immediate future.

Cathy Wasem, Senior Program Management Officer with the Office of Pacific Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also urged attendees with healthcare concerns to continue exploring subsidy opportunities under the Affordable Care Act, although she noted that Hawai'i's health exchange has continued to encounter difficulties in implementation.

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New COFA Health Equity Bill Introduced in U.S. House: H.R. 5294

8/24/2014

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Mahalo nui to the Asian Pacific Islander Health Forum for their press release regarding a new bill for health justice in Washington, D.C. 

From the Forum:

WASHINGTON—The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) welcomed today’s introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2014 (HEAA) (H.R. 5294). The bill, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, builds on the strengths of the health care reform law and provides additional tools to address health and health care disparities affecting minority and underserved communities

“We commend Rep. Roybal-Allard and the Congressional Tri-Caucus for their commitment to health equity for all communities,” said Kathy Ko Chin, president and CEO of APIAHF. “The Health Equity and Accountability Act complements the historic Affordable Care Act to create a more equitable health care system that truly meets the needs of all.”

“The HEAA is what is needed to ensure our health system responds to the country’s changing demographics,” said Priscilla Huang, APIAHF policy director. “The bill calls for targeted reforms to improve the health of subpopulations of communities of color that face additional barriers based on immigration status, disability, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic location and limited English proficiency.”

In addition, the bill would restore Medicaid eligibility to COFA migrants from the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, who are free to work and live in the U.S. subject to deportation laws and regulations.

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Monthly March for Health Justice - August 28

8/24/2014

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On Thursday, August 28, Saint Elizabeth's Episcopal Church will again sponsor a march and rally for health justice through amendment of the PWORA Act of 1996.

Supporters are asked to
meet at Saint Elizabeth's Episcopal Church (click for directions) at 10:00 a.m. for a march ending at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building.  Those who cannot or do not wish to walk can also meet at the Ewa end of the  Prince Kūhiō Federal Building (click for directions) for a brief rally. 

Marchers are asked to wear orange if possible.

Call 673-8930 for questions about Thursday's march.
  Please help spread the word about this week's event!

Announcement in Chuukese:


Auchea!! Ouse mochen eto fiti ach Karis fan iten Forean Medicaid ren kich chon Micronesia si nonom wonei fonu Hawaii...

Oruwanu August 28, 2014 kunok 10:00 a.m. nessossor ren ach iwe fan
Saint Elizabeth's Church, 720 North King Street.

Uwei ufom mi orange (sangingi) uwow konik.

Fitikich ne fetan seni St. Elizazbeth tori ewe
Federal Building, 300 Ala Moana Blvd.  Amo kot epwe efeioch chuk!!

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