Laserfiche WebLink
Wil Okabe <br /> Managing Director <br /> Harry Kim <br /> ^~.'~ ' Barbara J.Kossow <br /> Deputy Managing Director <br /> ���.� <br /> ^�. - �]� <br /> �� <br /> � <br /> ���� ��� �� <br /> r�+,"�� �" � ���r <br /> *^� '�p^ ° <br /> 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 <br /> KONA. 7^'5o+*Ane umhvuu|v/uxvy_Bldg c • xuou,xom,uvwui'i 96740 <br /> (808)323-4444 • Fax(onx)sz3'wfn <br /> March 23, 2017 <br /> Dr. Virginia Pressler, Director <br /> Department of Health <br /> State mfHaxvai'i <br /> 1250 Punchbowl Street <br /> Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 <br /> RE: Letter of Support-- EMS Contract Modification for Community Paramedicine Program <br /> Our County is in a healthcare crisis. We have a shortage of physicians and our emergency services are <br /> overused. Our Fire Department's pilot Community Paramedicine program is an innovative proactive piece of <br /> the solution. It reaches the underserved before their situation becomes critical, as well as the chronic <br /> 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 time. The measurable <br /> value of health care dollars saved is certainly compelling, however more importantly HFD's community <br /> paramedics have been critical in connecting vulnerable individuals with health care support services that has <br /> dramatically improved their quality of life. The value of this improved life quality is immeasurable and the <br /> County of Hawaii is hopeful that the State of Hawaii will support the Hawaii Fire Department's request for a <br /> contract modification so that this program can work together with the State of Hawaii Department of Health <br /> to further improve the quality of life of the residents throughout the County of Hawaii and serve as a model <br /> for the State of Hawaii. <br /> We are confident that HFD's Community Paramedicine program will help to improve the health and wellness <br /> of our residents and visitors, improve outcomes and quality of life in our community along with preserving <br /> resources of emergency services. The program needs and deserves a sustainable funding source. <br /> Vo str |y, <br /> HarryKimn, yor <br /> cc: Hawai'i County Fire Department <br /> County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer <br />