HI SR61

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 previously statewide but was reduced to one site in Leeward Oahu and one site in Hilo due to budget restrictions.

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

Highlights that the Department of Health received a competitive federal Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting grant in 2018, projecting to reach more than 1,700 participants during the October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2020 grant period.

References a Johns Hopkins University longitudinal study showing substantial ten-year benefits for participating families across health, parenting, and child development outcomes.