Spring 2022 update from our CEO

Dear Friends,

2022 started out the year with record high numbers of Covid-19 cases and we were all tested once again. Fast forward to the end of the first quarter and COVID-19 cases have subsided to manageable levels and our state’s vaccine mandate, indoor mask mandate, and safe travels program have ended. While Hawai‘i is continuing to see a decline in cases, we all still need to remain vigilant and respect the choices of individuals, institutions, agencies and businesses who have made the decision to continue masking and further protect themselves despite the end to the statewide mask mandate. Vaccinations and boosters are still necessary to protect us all from Covid-19 and testing and vaccination sites will continue to be available. For more information please visit HawaiiCOVID19.com.

On February 24th we woke up to a world that had changed overnight. While our hearts and prayers are with the Ukranians, it is also important to recognize how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has many effects on the rest of the world too. Still reeling from the economic losses from the pandemic, leaders around the world are on edge because of the rising cost of fuel that also leads to rising prices of food and basic commodities – and further economic hardship. The alarm has been sounded on food insecurity at a global level as both Russia and Ukraine are the largest exporters of wheat and corn. Wheat for bread and human consumption and corn for animal feed. Hawai’i imports 90% of its food and is highly vulnerable to shifts in availability of imported food products, reminding us of the importance of working with other sectors on food access and self-sufficiency through Transforming Hawaii’s Food System Together initiative. This war has also resulted in the largest displacement of refugees in Europe since World War II and the public health community has many reasons to be concerned about how it might reverse many of our gains in the past decade as millions of people are drifting into neighboring countries without health care and may actually be exposed to COVID19. The war also raises tensions around other possible flash points that could affect us in the Asia Pacific Region. Peace is a requisite for health and we join the rest of the free world in prayers for peace and a speedy resolution to this conflict.

Here in our state, we have passed the midpoint of our legislative session and want to thank everyone who has helped to support public health issues this session. We would also like to thank everyone who supported our youth at our annual Taking Down Tobacco Day on March 14th as well as the many donations and contributions to the 21,000 Slippers Campaign. It was great to be back at the Capitol for this event after a 2-year hiatus. We still have bills that are moving, so keep an eye out for action alerts and help us get some of our public health priorities to the finish line.

Celebrate with us! Next week, April 4-10 is National Public Health Week. Please join HIPHI with some fun activities to promote this year’s theme, “Public Health Is Where You Are.” Where you are, physically, mentally, and societally, has an impact on your health. There is a connection between your personal health, the health of your community and of the land. On Monday, April 4, we will announce details on HIPHI’s Keiki Art Showcase and a family activity to celebrate NPHW on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Not on social media? Check out our website next week for more details. In addition, HIPHI is proud to be a keiki sponsor of the Hawai‘i Public Health Association’s virtual panel discussion on April 7 from 3:30PM-5:00PM titled “Cultivating Hawaii’s Public Health Workforce. Registrations here. 

We are also looking forward to the upcoming Community Health Workers Conference. Please save the date for July 8, 2022 and visit https://hichw.org for more updates, information and registration details.

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership!

With Aloha,

Jessica Yamauchi, MA

Chief Executive Officer