$100K for Native Hawaiian health

HONOLULU — Hawaii’s largest integrated, nonprofit health care system has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. This funding is part of $8.15 million in grant funding that will support 40 nonprofit and community-based organizations nationwide whose programs address systemic racism and its negative impact on health outcomes for individuals and communities of color. The award follows Kaiser Permanente’s $25 million commitment announced in June 2020 to promote health equity and break the cycle of racism-driven stresses that lead to poor health outcomes for its members and communities.

CNHA’s mission is to enhance the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians by delivering capacity-building services, fostering leadership development, and offering financial education and financial counseling services. CNHA has also convened the Annual Native Hawaiian Convention for the past 18 years. Its Piʻi Ka Lahui, or “Nation Rising,” project aims to eliminate various forms of racism that contribute to the systemic oppression of Native Hawaiians.

“We have seen how COVID-19 has disproportionately affected our Native Hawaiian community, caused in part by high rates of underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and asthma,” said Greg Christian, president, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Health Plan and Hospitals. “This disparity underscores the immediate need to advocate for racial equity in education, community investment, and health care for the Native Hawaiian community.”

The grant to CNHA will be spread out over 2 years and will allow CNHA to expand its reach and services to develop a social justice accelerator that organizes community outreach focused on meeting policy priorities, engaging grassroots organizations, and coordinating leadership development.

About Kaiser Permanente

For 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has been committed to shaping the future of health and health care — and helping our members, patients, and communities experience more healthy years. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Since July 21, 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.