HI SR37

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

Identifies rural health clinics as essential for serving underserved communities like Kau on Hawaii island, particularly for Medicaid patients seeking behavioral health services

Notes that rural residents often avoid seeking mental health services due to fear of community stigma and lack of privacy in tight-knit communities

Cites connections between social isolation, loneliness, and poor mental health outcomes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic for adolescents and older adults

Directs transmission of a certified copy of the resolution to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation