HI SCR79

Hawaii faces a significant physician shortage, with current demand for 3,276 full-time equivalent physicians but only 2,802 available in 2014, representing a deficit of approximately 655 physicians or 20 percent statewide.

The Farrington High School Health Academy, established in 1991, serves as a model program offering a three-year interdisciplinary curriculum to sophomores and juniors interested in health care careers and entry-level positions.

The Farrington Health Academy received the United States Department of Education Secretary's Award for Outstanding Vocational Technical Education Program in 1996 and partners with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, Kapiolani Community College, and John A. Burns School of Medicine.

The Department of Education, Department of Health, and health care industry are requested to establish health academies at high schools throughout Hawaii following the Farrington model to develop home-grown health care professionals.

Certified copies of the resolution are to be transmitted to the Board of Education Chairperson, Superintendent of Education, and Director of Health for dissemination to health care industry entities.