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Wil Okabe <br /> ,• tM�v os ' Managing Director <br /> tT�� ��digv <br /> Harry Kim � �.. �; tri• <br /> Mayor <br /> ?4: +°.',:ie Barbara J.Kossow <br /> '••rE o�oto' -' Deputy Managing Director <br /> ount r of c ainil <br /> ®ffire atilt 4Lour <br /> 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 <br /> KONA: 74-5044 Me Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 <br /> (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 <br /> March 20, 2017 <br /> Dr. Virginia Pressler, Director <br /> Department of Health <br /> State of Hawaii <br /> 1250 Punchbowl Street <br /> Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 <br /> Dear. Dr. Pressler, <br /> RE: Letter of Support <br /> EMS Contract Modification for Community Paramedicine Program <br /> Our County is in a healthcare crisis. We have a shortage of physicians and our emergency <br /> services are overused. Our Fire Department's pilot Community Paramedicine program is an <br /> innovative proactive piece of the solution. It reaches the underserved before their situation becomes <br /> critical, as well as the chronic overusers of the emergency system. <br /> The program has been able to show a very high value at a low cost in a short period of <br /> time. The measurable value of health care dollars saved is certainly compelling, however more <br /> importantly HFD's community paramedics have been critical in connecting vulnerable individuals with <br /> health care support services that has dramatically improved their quality of life. The value of this <br /> improved life quality is immeasurable and the County of Hawaii is hopeful that the State of Hawaii will <br /> support the Hawaii Fire Department's request for a contract modification so that this program can <br /> work together with the State of Hawaii Department of Health to further improve the quality of life of the <br /> residents throughout the County of Hawaii and serve as a model for the State of Hawaii. <br /> We are confident that HFD's Community Paramedicine program will help to improve the health <br /> and wellness of our residents and visitors, improve outcomes and quality of life in our community <br /> along with preserving resources of emergency services. The program needs and deserves a <br /> sustainable funding source. <br /> Yo ruly <br /> Harry Kim, ayor <br /> c: Hawai'i County Fire Department <br /> County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />