News Releases from Department of Health

Ola Lokahi November 2018 The #RideSoberHawaii Challenge This holiday season, take the new #RideSoberHawaii challenge presented by the department’s EMS & Injury Prevention System Branch and you could win a $50 Uber gift card. Open the PDF to read more. What you can do about opioid abuse Opioids are prescribed frequently for pain and are […]

Ola Lokahi (October 2018) World Mental Health Day 2018 sheds light on young people People experience mental health challenges in different ways. Some are affected by episodes of anxiety or depression, and others may suffer from severe and disabling conditions that last a lifetime. Young people face unique struggles as they navigate changes during adolescence […]

Ola Lokahi (August 2018) Amendments make medical cannabis more accessible These changes make access to medical cannabis easier for registered patients who use it to treat their serious health conditions. Local dispensaries experienced a high demand for the newly approved safe pulmonary administration (SPA) devices that were added to the list of approved merchandise that […]

Ola Lokahi (June/July 2018) DOH Team Rises to the Challenges of the Ongoing Kilauea Eruption Spectacular geological displays of bright red lava flowing from the Kilauea volcano and oozing from fissures in the ground, and billowing clouds of ash and volcanic smog are capturing the attention of those around the globe. Open the attached newsletter […]

Ola Lokahi (June 2018) 2018 Legislative Highlights of the Five-Month Session: All-payer claims database Licensure by endorsement Healthcare preceptorship tax credit Virtual dental home Support for Hawaii Opioid Task Force Ban on the pesticide Chlorpyrifos Ban on sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate Cesspool advisory coucil and grant program Support for those with intellectual and developmental […]

Ola Lokahi (April 2018) Recycle in Celebration of Earth Day April 22! As Earth Day 2018 nears, it’s a good time to reflect on recycling, particularly beverage and plastic water bottle containers which are responsible for pollution and negative effects on the environment and public health. Open the attached newsletter pdf to read more. Walk […]

Ola Lokahi (March 2018) DOH Quality Assurance Coordinator Inducted Into UH Nursing Alumni Hall of Fame The University of Hawaii-Manoa Nursing Alumni Association has inducted Gloria Fernandez, Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) quality assurance coordinator, into its 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame. Open the attached newsletter pdf to read more. ‘Day at the Capitol’ Celebrates […]

Ola Lokahi (December 2017) DOH Employees Promote Healthy Living at Annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade Everybody loves a parade, the old saying goes, and perhaps none more so than a group of Department of Health (DOH) employees from the Diamond Head Health Center on Kilauea Avenue, who were among dozens of participants at the festive 71st […]

Ola Lokahi (Nov 2017) DOH Launches Oral Health Screening Initiative Aaaahhhh!!! That sound was heard early and often on Oct. 17 at The Towers at Kuhio Park in Kalihi, where the Department of Health (DOH) kicked off its statewide oral health screening project with a dental screening for children age 5 and under. Open the […]

Ola Lokahi (Sept/Oct 2017) DOH Expands ‘Choose Healthy Now’ Campaign Convenience food store chain 7-Eleven has joined Aloha Island Mart and KTA Superstores in providing healthier alternatives that satisfy customers’ snack and drink cravings. Open the attached newsletter pdf to read more. The Aftermath of Suicide DOH Employee Finds Peace in the Midst of Grief […]

Ola Lokahi (August 2017) Hard Work Pays Off For DOH Medical Cannabis Registry and Dispensary Programs In early August, Maui Grown Therapies became the first medical cannabis dispensary to begin sales to qualifying patients on Maui when it received the green light from DOH. A few days later, DOH approved Aloha Green to begin selling […]

Ola Lokahi (July 2017) DOH Gains Upper Hand in Fight vs. Mosquitoes The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has reached several milestones in its efforts to eliminate mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya in Hawaii. Open the attached newsletter pdf to read more. SLD Program Manager Rebecca Sciulli Receives Award The Association of […]

Ola Lokahi (June 2017) Message From the Director It’s hard to believe that the year is nearly halfway over. So far, 2017 has been a busy year for our department but with your dedication and hard work, we have been able to meet the many challenges that have come our way. Open the attached newsletter […]

Ola Lokahi (May 2017) What You Should Know About Rat Lungworm Disease By now, you’ve head of Rat Lungworm (RLW) disease which has been a high-profile story reported by the local, national and international news media. To date, DOH has confirmed 14 cases of RLW in Hawaii so far this year. Open the attached newsletter […]