Hawai‘i Public Health Institute

?? Mahalo to Our CEC Hui! ?? On Monday, March 10, our Community Engagement Core (CEC) hui gathered at UH JABSOM to hear from four pilot-funded researchers about their initial findings. We engaged in health discussions on topics like Pulmonary Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC) in Hawai?i, COVID-19 impacts among Filipinos, non-invasive lung cancer detection, and the restricted use of pesticides. HIPHI and CEC also shared updates on our community capacity and trust-building efforts—including report-back events, trainings, and research studios across the state. Mahalo to our hardworking CEC hui members, community partners, researchers, and Ola HAWAII for their continued support in advancing community-driven research. As a small token of appreciation, we gifted our hui members with kupukupu ferns from Hānai Kaiāulu planted in recycled cardboard. ?? #CommunityEngagement #HealthResearch #OlaHAWAIICEC #CapacityBuilding #TrustBuilding #PublicHealth #HawaiiHealth #FilipinoHealth #CommunityCollaboration

Last Friday, high school students, educators, and youth organizations from across Hawai‘i gathered for a powerful day of advocacy and action at We Grow Hawai‘i! ?? From engaging in farm-to-school discussions to hands-on activities like seed packet making, the next generation of food system changemakers came together to reimagine Hawai‘i’s school food system and support local agriculture. A special part of the day included a visit to ‘Iolani Palace, where students explored Hawai‘i’s rich history and deep-rooted connections to food sovereignty. Learning from docents about the palace’s past added another layer of understanding to their advocacy—recognizing how cultural heritage and policy shape the future of food in Hawai‘i. Major highlights? Students visited lawmakers’ offices, advocating for policies that will bring real change to Hawai‘i’s school food system. A group of youth also had the incredible opportunity to testify on SB1186, supporting the bill to create a statewide food systems working group! Their voices are shaping the future of food policy in Hawai‘i, and their leadership is inspiring change.?? ? Mahalo to everyone who participated and supported this movement! Let’s keep growing together. ???? #WeGrowHawaii #FarmToSchool #YouthAdvocacy #HawaiiStateCapitol

With heavy hearts, we remember our dear friend and partner, CJ Johnson. We were fortunate to collaborate with him in many capacities throughout his time in Hawai‘i—from his work with the City and County of Honolulu promoting the HOLO card, to his roles at the Department of Health as the Physical Activity Program Coordinator and later as a COVID-19 Community Outreach and Education Program Specialist, and most recently, as the Community Engagement and Partnership Manager at AlohaCare. CJ’s passion, sincerity, and commitment to our community left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him. His infectious sense of humor served as a beacon of light reminding us to find joy even in the most challenging moments. It was this unwavering spirit that kept us grounded and resilient through tough times. Our hearts go out to his wife, Ananda, who was part of our HIPHI team for four years, and to all who were touched by CJ’s kindness and leadership. He will be deeply missed.

Join the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai?i (CTFH) Youth Council at the State Capitol as we rally, sign wave, and engage in conversations, working together to build a nicotine-free generation! Register now at https://buff.ly/vbvPEnF #tdt #takedowntobacco #hiphiyc #808novape

Food insecurity is impacting more of Hawai?i’s keiki every day—one-third of children in our state live in food-insecure homes. What can we do about it? Join Nate Hix, HIPHI’s Director of Policy and Advocacy, along with community leaders from Hawai?i Food Bank and Hawai?i Appleseed for a conversation on the root causes of childhood food insecurity in Hawai?i and the actions we can take to create lasting change. ?? Friday, March 14 ?? 6:00–7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:00 p.m.) ?? Civil Beat HQ, Kaimukī This is a free event with complimentary pupu and parking validation! RSVP now:

Join us for an insightful webinar with Dr. Paul Glassman as he explores the Concentric Circles of Care model—a game-changing approach to making oral health more accessible, affordable, and community-driven. ?? This innovative system brings oral health beyond the dental office, integrating schools, home visitors, and community spaces to support prevention, early intervention, and better health outcomes. ?? Tuesday, March 25, 2025 ? 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM HST ?? Register now https://buff.ly/ReS2g0r Let’s rethink how we care for our smiles—together! ??? #OralHealthForAll #CommunityCare #DentalInnovation

Repost Hawaii Farm to School Network ?? Calling all O’ahu 9th to 12th graders wanting to make positive change in Hawai’i’s School Food System!! ?? Join the Hawaii Youth Food Council Youth Organization for the 10th Annual We Grow in GRaCE- Youth Food Summit at the Hawai’i State Capitol for a day full of farm to school and school food advocacy. ?? Event includes building community with likeminded youth, meeting with legislatures and farm to school professionals, a tour of ‘Iolani palace, an ono locally grown lunch, and the premier of “Feeding Change,” produced by Honolulu Creative Media ?? Register ?? https://buff.ly/3ES3Zfb by Saturday, March 1st. Space is Limited!

Upcoming Webinar: An Integrative Approach to Treating Eating Disorders ?? March 6, 2025 ? 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (HST) ?? Register now: https://buff.ly/4kcepXg Eating disorders are often misunderstood, making treatment complex and challenging. This webinar, led by Bethany C. Crowley, explores an integrative approach that addresses root causes and equips professionals with tools for guiding clients toward full recovery. ?? Identify at least one psychological or emotional function that eating disorders may serve ?? List three key warning signs or symptoms of eating disorders ?? Learn one specific action to support someone struggling with an eating disorder Join us for this essential training designed for healthcare and mental health professionals. #EatingDisorders #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthcareTraining #RecoverySupport #ProfessionalDevelopment #PublicHealth

?? February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month across the nation! ?? Hawai’i’s keiki have among the greatest oral health needs in the country, and the Hawai’i Oral Health Coalition is working with community partners year-round to ensure bright smiles for generations to come. We convene several workgroups each month to identify the most pressing oral health issues across the state, and we work to address these issues through partnerships, education, and advocacy. ?? Watch our video to learn more about our efforts! To learn more about oral health in Hawai’i, our coalition, or to join us in this work, visit our website at https://buff.ly/439s4bp or contact us today at [email protected]. #HawaiiOralHealth #ChildrensDentalHealthMonth #BrightSmiles #HealthyKeiki

?? Maui We Grow in GRaCE (Gardens for Resilience and Climate Education) was such a success! ??? Hosted in the malu of Lele by community leaders and members, the Hawai‘i Youth Food Council was immersed in the power of community. ?? One HYFC council member reflected on this power sharing: ?? “The power of people who show up even when they are exhausted, heartbroken, and facing an overwhelming challenge. That’s what advocacy is. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be in the room.” We are so honored and humbled to have facilitated such a meaningful and impactful event. ???? We trust our youth to carry on this work of improving our food system, caring for community, and in doing so, making Hawai‘i a better place for future generations. ???? ?? Mahalo to our hosts: Kaiāulu Initiatives Hawai?i Wildlife Discovery Center Mahalo to our food vendors: Moku Roots cafejai Mahalo to our bus drivers from: Malama Kaehu Akina Tours Mahalo to our raffle donors: Pukalani Superette Native Intelligence Maui Surfer Girls Florence Marine X Maui-G Sports Maui Tennis & Pickleball Association @centerforgettingthingsstarted Boards 4 Buddies Cake Media More to come!!