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Testimony on H.B. 1867, H.D.1 In support of dollars for primary health care |
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House of Representatives Bill No. HB 1867, H.D. 1, RELATING TO MAKING AN APPROPRIATION
FOR HEALTH CARE FOR THE UNINSURED. Testimony of Claire Woods, Hawaii Together The Honorable Dwight Takamine, Chair, House Committee on Finance, and members of the Committee: I am Claire Woods, testifying on behalf of Hawaii Together, the volunteer task force appointed by Governor Cayetano to pull the statewide community together to address the human welfare issues arising out of the September 11, 2001 attacks and the subsequent economic downturn in Hawaii. I have served for the past six months as chair of Hawaii Together's Service Delivery subcommittee, which was tasked with understanding the needs of the community and making recommendations regarding those issues most needing community attention. I am also employed as the Executive Director of Family Treatment Services for The Salvation Army. Hawaii Together strongly supports the intent of H.B. 1867 HD1. The task force has adopted the provision of primary health care in our communities as well as the maximization of federal funds in our state as two of the top four priority areas of concern and interest to Hawaii Together. It is our hope that in moving these areas of concern and need to the forefront, we will be able to help minimize the negative effects of September 11 on our community. Both primary care and the draw down of federal funds to support the provision of care to those in need were of great concern to us all before 9/11. Now, we have an even greater need to assure that primary care centers have the financial resources needed to provide the services they were designed to provide. Providing resources so that primary care is available to those in need will help to contain costs by assuring that health needs are met before they become emergencies. On the income side, because our local resources are insufficient to meet the increased needs since September 11, any opportunity to access federal dollars to meet growing needs in our communities should be carefully considered. With the huge increase in the number of unemployed and underemployed in our community since September 11, the number of uninsured children and adults, estimated at 120,000 before the terrorist attack, is likely to increase. The primary health centers that open their doors daily to the uninsured must be supported. Without additional support the health centers will no longer be able to help all in need and will have to turn some people away, including children. We would ask that the Committee continue to move this bill forward as a vehicle for further discussion. Its need is now more than ever. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of the intent of H.B. 1867, HD1. We would be pleased to answer any questions the Committee may have. Please feel free to contact me at 258-5446 if I or any other members of Hawaii can assist you with further questions and/or data. We also wish to encourage decision makers to access Hawaii Together's website for the most current data available to us regarding social conditions in Hawaii. The website and listserv may be accessed at http://hawaiitogether.Hawaii.edu. Mahalo! |