Lauren Loor is the Statewide Program Manager for Healthy Eating + Active Living (HEAL) Initiative.…
Pride Month is a Public Health Priority
June was originally established as Pride Month to honor the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Today, June is a time to celebrate the dignity, equality and increased visibility of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.
- Data shows that our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities have higher prevalences of health conditions associated with severe COVID-19 illness compared with non-LGBT populations.
- LGBTQIA+ people experience health disparities and there is a need for developing better information on health issues, equal access to health services and better data collection to support inclusion and equity.
- We celebrate the pride of LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the continued efforts for equity and justice. Here are ten ways to celebrate Pride Month!
Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, everyone has a right to achieve their best health, including gender-affirming care. We encourage you to spend some time this month to learn a little bit about LGBTQIA+ history and take a small step towards building a more inclusive society.
SAFELY CELEBRATING KING KAMEHAMEHA DAY
This week Hawai‘i will celebrate Kamehameha Day on Friday, June 10. Events across the state will be held to honor the memory of King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 to become Hawaii’s first King. If you plan to gather for the holiday, please remember to:
- take a COVID-19 self test before attending event;
- wear a mask;
- continue to social distance.
Let’s make it our kuleana to gather safely as we work together to overcome the current surge in COVID-19 cases.
STATE UPDATE
May COVID-19 Round Up
Data shows a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases across the state in comparison to the previous month. The increase in hospitalizations is a reminder that we can all take action now to prevent severe illness.
COUNTY UPDATES
Maui County
After contracting COVID-19, one of the strategies to prevent older adults and high-risk individuals from getting hospitalized or severe illness from COVID-19 is to get access to therapeutics (antivirals that are prescribed to keep them out of the hospital). You will need a doctor’s prescription to receive therapeutics. Learn more about available options at mauinuistrong.info.
The data above shows the hospitalizations at Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) as of 9 a.m. on June 6. As Maui County is being challenged with another surge in COVID-19 cases, MMMC wants to remind people to come to the hospital emergency room if you experience severe COVID-19 symptoms.
City & County of Honolulu
KEY Project can assist Windward O‘ahu families, from Kane‘ohe to Kualoa, with past due and future rent and utility payments. Assistance can be awarded for up to 18 months per household and can include up to $2,000 a month for rent and up to $500 a month for household utility bills: electricity, sewer and water, and gas. Households that have experienced financial hardship during the pandemic, including job loss, reduction in wages, an increase in expenses, falling below income limits, or at-risk of losing housing, may be qualified for the program. If you are eligible or know someone who may benefit from this support, please fill out an intake form. For more information, call Allison Skillbred at 808-940-4283 or email ActionTeam@KeyProject.org.
In addition, KEY Project consistently hosts one food distribution on the first Tuesday of each month to serve individuals and families in need. You can learn more about food resources available at keyproject.org.
STATEWIDE RESOURCES
COVID-19 Heterogeneity by County
Understanding the impact of a pandemic on isolated locations can be used to determine the most effective mitigation strategies. In this paper, data is examined with attention to details of the heterogeneity effects and compared individual island results to discern appropriate policy decisions related to limiting disease spread. Read the paper; visit hipam.org to learn more.
Providing Health Literate Virtual Health Services
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased telehealth services which has increased access to care, while also posing challenges for those with low health literacy. To explore these challenges, as well as opportunities for increasing access to care, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Health Literacy held a virtual public workshop. Learn strategies for ensuring the delivery of health literate virtual health services and best practices for serving individuals with low health literacy.
Encouraging Open Conversations About Mental Health in Your Workplace
Majority of employers acknowledge that workplace mental health must be a priority for the well-being of their workers, but bringing up the subject of mental health at work can be challenging or intimidating.
- The Mental Health Coalition will have a free webinar on June 16 at 8 a.m. Learn tips on how to break patterns of silence in the workplace and encourage open conversations about mental health among your employees.
- This Workplace Mental Health Playbook provides employers with recommended actions, key policy considerations and tools to create a mental health strategy.
Walk with a Doc
Families can come together with a free event, a physician-led walk. Walk with a Doc begins with a brief discussion on a health topic and then participants enjoy a walk and conversation. Discover locations across the state and join a walk!
MHA’s 2022 Annual Conference is Now Open!
- The event will cover the following topics: equity in mental health, coping with pandemic trauma and recovery, crisis response, storytelling, rest and self-care, and alignment for future actions in mental health.
- Register today!
- Questions? Contact Catherine Reynolds, MHA’s Program Marketing Manager, at events@mhanational.org.
PUBLIC HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
If you are positive for COVID-19 and have difficulty breathing, it’s recommended to isolate (stay away from others) until at least day 10. After testing positive for COVID-19, it is crucial to not be around those who are at high risk for severe illness, wear a mask around others, and avoid situations where you may not be able to social distance such as on planes. This graphic and many infographics have been translated in multiple languages and can be downloaded at hawaiicovid19.com/translations.
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