In 1985, E Ola Mau (EOM), The Native Hawaiian Health Needs Assessment reported the disparate rates of death and illness in the Native Hawaiians. To address the E Ola Mau findings, Congress passed the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act of 1988. Papa Ola Lokahi (POL), the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP) and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems (NHHCSs) were established under The Native Hawaiian Health Care Act of 1988. The Act was reauthorized and renamed the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act (NHHCIA) in 1992. In 2010, the NHHCIA was included in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reauthorized until 2019. POL is responsible for implementing the mandates of the NHHCIA, with an overarching goal to raise the health status of Native Hawaiians to the highest possible level. One of the mandates includes training of Native Hawaiian health professionals. This is done through our relationship with the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program [workforce development component].
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the historical significance of E Ola Mau, The Native Hawaiian Health Needs Assessment (1985) and preview the E Ola Mau a Mau, the updated review of the original assessment report;
- Describe the purpose of Papa Ola Lokahi, the Act, its mandates and the NHHCSs;
- Describe the unique plans of engaging and developing Native Hawaiian health professionals to create leadership opportunities moving forward.
