Business Details
Advocating for Community Health Access in Hawaii
The Hawaii Primary Care Association has been dedicated to improving healthcare access for underserved communities across Hawaii for over three decades. Our mission focuses on advocating for, expanding access to, and sustaining high-quality primary healthcare through a statewide network of Community Health Centers. We collaborate with providers, lawmakers, and public advocates to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and serve over 150,000 individuals annually. Our initiatives include diabetes prevention programs, patient-centered care transformation, and workforce development. We prioritize community partnerships and innovation to address health disparities and ensure equitable care.Our team of experienced professionals works tirelessly to support health centers in delivering comprehensive services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health. We remain committed to transparency, ethical practices, and community-driven solutions that empower vulnerable populations. Through programs like the Feel Good Awareness Campaign, we promote preventive health strategies to combat chronic diseases. Our leadership in healthcare policy and advocacy positions us as a trusted resource for improving public health outcomes in Hawaii.
Services
Primary Healthcare Access
Community Outreach Programs
Diabetes Prevention
Healthcare Policy Advocacy
Workforce Development
Patient-Centered Care Training
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience advocating for underserved populations.
- Our statewide network serves over 150,000 individuals through 15 health centers.
- We partner with policymakers and healthcare providers to improve access.
- Our team includes experts in public health, policy, and community outreach.
- We lead innovative programs like the Feel Good diabetes prevention campaign.
Services
Primary Healthcare Access
We expand access to comprehensive primary care through a statewide network of Community Health Centers. Our services include medical, dental, and behavioral health care for underserved populations. We work with providers to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare across all Hawaiian islands.
Diabetes Prevention
Our Feel Good campaign promotes diabetes prevention through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, healthy cooking, and stress management. We provide community education and resources to combat high rates of diabetes in Hawaii. The program targets adults at risk of developing chronic conditions.
Healthcare Advocacy
We advocate for healthcare policy reforms that strengthen primary care infrastructure and protect vulnerable populations. Our team collaborates with lawmakers to shape legislation supporting community health centers. We provide expert testimony and data-driven recommendations for systemic improvements.
Workforce Development
We offer training and professional development opportunities for healthcare workers across Hawaii. Our initiatives include leadership development, clinical best practices, and patient-centered care models. We aim to build a skilled workforce capable of addressing community health needs.
Community Outreach
We implement public health campaigns addressing hypertension, diabetes, and preventive care across Hawaii. Our outreach includes educational materials, community events, and partnerships with local organizations. We focus on culturally appropriate strategies to engage diverse populations.
People
Robert Hirokawa
Chief Executive Officer
Robert leads our statewide healthcare initiatives with over 25 years of experience in public health administration. He focuses on expanding access to care and strengthening community health infrastructure through strategic partnerships and policy advocacy.
Kathy Suzuki-Kitagawa
Chief Operating Officer
Kathy oversees daily operations and organizational strategy, ensuring efficient delivery of programs across Hawaii. With expertise in healthcare management, she works to enhance service quality and support community health centers in achieving their missions.
Erik Abe
Policy and Public Affairs Director
Erik leads our legislative advocacy efforts, shaping policies that support underserved populations. He collaborates with lawmakers to secure funding and implement reforms that strengthen Hawaii's healthcare system and protect vulnerable communities.
Cristina Vocalan
Chief Strategy Officer
Cristina develops long-term strategies to advance healthcare equity across Hawaii. She focuses on innovative solutions for improving access, reducing disparities, and building sustainable systems that meet the evolving needs of our communities.
Navya Karkada
Population Health Program Manager
Navya manages initiatives addressing chronic disease prevention and health equity. She implements data-driven programs like the Feel Good campaign, focusing on lifestyle interventions to reduce diabetes rates across diverse populations in Hawaii.
Questions
What is a Community Health Center (CHC)?
CHCs provide comprehensive, affordable primary care to underserved communities, regardless of patients' ability to pay. They offer medical, dental, and behavioral health services with a focus on preventive care.
How can I find a health center near me?
Visit our website to locate one of our 15 health centers across all major Hawaiian islands. Services are available to everyone, including uninsured and low-income individuals.
What is the Feel Good campaign?
Feel Good promotes diabetes prevention through simple lifestyle changes: #MoveOften, #CookMore, and #RelaxDaily. It provides resources to help Hawaii residents reduce chronic disease risks.
Do you offer job opportunities?
Yes, we regularly post openings for healthcare professionals, administrators, and public health advocates. Check our careers page for current opportunities across Hawaii.
How do you support healthcare providers?
We offer training programs, policy advocacy, and operational support to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. Our resources help providers deliver high-quality care to underserved populations.
