HI SCR230

Urges the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to expand the Ka'u Rural Health Clinic to improve access to urgent care and outpatient behavioral health services

Recognizes that rural health clinics serve underserved communities by providing primary health services and preventative care through physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse-midwives, clinical psychologists, and social workers

Notes that rural residents often avoid seeking mental health services due to concerns about community stigma, prejudice, and privacy in tight-knit communities

Acknowledges that social isolation and loneliness have been linked to poor health outcomes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic for adolescents and older adults

Requires transmission of a certified copy of the resolution to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation