News Releases from Department of Health

Ola Lokahi (Feb 2017) Good Health! It’s Everyone’s Kuleana When it comes to health, the playing field is not even. There are many in our islands that do not enjoy good health because of their socioeconomic conditions or geographical location that prevent access to quality care and healthful living. Open the attached newsletter pdf to […]

Ola Lokahi (Dec 2016) A Message from Virginia Pressler, MD, Director of Health A Year of Outstanding Teamwork. Open the attached newsletter pdf to read more about our 2016 year. Physical Health Fight the Bite Campaign Rethink Your Drink Hepatitis A Outbreak Medical Marijuana Comprehensive Tobacco Control Policies Alcohol Abuse Screening Hawaii Smiles Mental Health […]

Ola Lokahi (Nov 2016) A Message from Virginia Pressler, MD, Director of Health Healthy Holidays to You and Your Family! Open the attached newsletter pdf to read more. Thaddeus Pham Receives HAH’s 2016 Public Health Award Congratulations to Thaddeus Pham, Adult Viral Hepatitis Coordinator with the Hawaii Department of Health, who received the Public Health […]

Ola Lokahi (Oct 2016) “Rethink Your Drink” Campaign: Nothing is Sweeter Than a Healthy Life! The Department of Health’s newest “Rethink Your Drink” television commercial is now airing statewide through the end of the year. The goal is to teach Hawaii teenagers about the dangers of drinking too many sugary drinks, so that they reduce […]

Ola Lokahi (Sept 2016) Department of Health’s Strategic Plan Focuses on Social Determinants of Health The neighborhood you live in determines your health status and how long you will live. Open the attached newsletter pdf to read more. Department of Health Demonstrates Responsiveness The Hawaii Department of Health’s food safety inspection program, headed by Peter […]

Ola Lokahi (July 2016) International Accreditation for the professionals in the Adult Mental Health Division/Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) and Clubhouses CARF International recently recognized the work of these professionals and granted them statewide accreditation for the first time. Open the attached newsletter pdf to read more. Keeping Kupuna Safe! Statewide Fall Prevention Campaign Now […]

Ola Lokahi (May 2016) Public Health Nursing: Big Tasks that Require Big Hearts This month, healthcare organizations celebrated National Nurses Week from May 6 to 12. The Hawaii Department of Health is proud of all of its nurses, and will be highlighting their contributions to the community throughout the year, starting this month with our […]

Ola Lokahi PDF (April 2016)   10-Year Master Plan Being Implemented Demolition of Hawaii State Hospital’s Goddard Building Underway   The Goddard Building, located at the top of Hawaii State Hospital’s campus in Kaneohe, is being demolished to clear the way for a brand new, 144-bed forensic facility. Kaneohe resident Kahu Wendell Kalanikapuaenui Silva conducted […]

As we enter the holiday season and usher in the New Year, we can become agents of wellness by introducing beneficial choices at your next pot luck with friends, family or co-workers. Instead of bringing food or beverages that are high in fat, salt or sugar, consider bringing enticing salads and entrees that are low […]

Hawaii was recently named the healthiest state in the nation for the fourth consecutive year, based on statistical data gathered by the United Health Foundation in collaboration with the American Public Health Association. The 26th annual America’s Health Rankings was published on Dec. 10, 2015 and is the longest-running annual assessment of America’s health, starting […]

In the Islands, the holiday season is a time for parties and potlucks with family, friends, and colleagues, with lots of food. That means celebrating at restaurants, more catering, and take-out food for holiday gatherings. The good news is that consumers can have greater peace of mind this holiday season. The Hawaii Department of Health […]

Congratulations to Dr. Dileep Bal who will be honored by the American Medical Association (AMA) on Feb. 23 in Washington D.C. as the recipient of the 2016 Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service in the category of Outstanding Career Public Servant at the Local Level. The awards, presented to local, state and federal […]

The East Honolulu public health nurses recently marched in the 2015 Kaimuki Christmas parade and cheerfully gave out toothbrushes instead of candy. The toothbrushes were donated by the department’s Planning Office and Family Health Services Division Hawaii Smiles Project. The community appreciated the healthy gift and the reminder that dental health is a critical component […]

(Watch a video about the Hawaii State Hospital at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkNFtpi8ZDI) The Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe, which for more than a decade has been challenged with overcrowded patient conditions, an ever-increasing number of high-risk patients, and concerns about employee safety, now has a solution to address these issues. The Hawaii State Department of Health has […]