U.S. CDC director visits Hawaii, assesses state’s public health program

HONOLULU (Eagle News) – Earlier this week, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky visited Hawaii to discuss the CDC’s investments in the state, as well as the future of and challenges involving public health programs.

“It is critical that every community and every state has a strong infrastructure for public health,” said Walensky. “During my time visiting Hawaii, I have seen innovative ways in which the state is looking to equitably protect the health of its people. We must continue to prioritize these programs and efforts, for a strong and more prepared public health system of the future.”

Official Photo – Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Photo courtesy U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

While in Hawaii, Walensky also met with Governor Josh Green, M.D. and DOH Director Dr. Kenneth S. Fink. She then received a briefing from state officials on health issues affecting the Native Hawaiian population and other Pacific Island communities.

“Meeting with Dr. Walensky provided us a unique opportunity to discuss Hawaii’s approach to the pandemic, which resulted in the nation’s lowest mortality rate, as well as a chance to express our desire to provide more equitable access to health services for our rural residents during crises,” said Green. “It was also an opportunity to thank her for her extraordinary leadership during the pandemic.”

As part of the agency’s aim to strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure, the CDC awarded the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) $14.19 million from the federal government’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant Program with an emphasis on rural and underrepresented populations.

“We are honored to have Dr. Walensky visit with us and emphasize the importance of investing in public health to keep our communities safe and healthy,” said Fink. “CDC’s support and partnership has been and continues to be invaluable.”

Dr. Walensky later visited the University of Hawaii’s Cancer Center and the John A. Burns School of Medicine, where she spoke to medical and public health students and staff about the importance of pursuing a career in healthcare.

(Alfred Acenas, Hawaii-Pacific Bureau, Eagle News Service)