HI SCR84

Urges the Department of Health to continue expanding and improving Hawaii's home visiting program, including reinstatement of a statewide network of home visiting services.

Notes that Hawaii's home visiting program was reduced to one site in Leeward Oahu and one site in Hilo due to budget restrictions, despite previously being a statewide model.

Recognizes that in 2017, the program conducted nearly 11,000 home visits, reaching 128 pregnant women, 712 parents and guardians, and 801 children in 840 households.

Highlights that the Department of Health received a competitive Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2020, projected to reach more than 1,700 participants.

References a Johns Hopkins University longitudinal study showing substantial ten-year benefits for targeted families across health, parenting, and child development outcomes, emphasizing the need to continue and expand the program.