Med-QUEST Commitment of $10M Launches UH’s Health Policy Initiative

At the University of Hawaii at Manoa, an initiative aimed at improving health care across the island has recently begun thanks to millions of dollars and years of efforts from the state.

According to the press release, the Health Policy Initiative at UH-Manoa’s University of Social Sciences will promote public impact research in health analysis under the guidance of the Institute of Social Sciences. This initiative was made possible by a $ 10 million commitment from the Department of State’s Med-QUEST division.

“Hawaii and the Pacific region offer many unique elements that have a positive impact on an individual’s quality of life, from cultural strengths and strong community ties to access to nature and green spaces,” said the School of Social Sciences. Dean Denise Ebby Conan said in the release. “At the same time, our residents are experiencing a high proportion of health inequalities, illnesses and vulnerabilities. This funding is the key to addressing these new chronic health problems, Med- The focus of our partnership with QUEST. “

The Health Policy Initiative is the basis of the UHealthy Hawaii Initiative to leverage the UH Program to improve health and health care throughout the region and the Pacific Ocean.

According to the press release, the goals of the Health Policy Initiative are:

• Promote cooperation between UH-Manoa and government agencies to address new chronic health problems.
• Gain a better understanding of the causes and consequences of poor health in Hawaii and the Pacific.
• Evaluate existing health and social programs to identify and recommend best practices.
• Create innovative, research-supporting policies and initiatives aimed at improving health and reducing costs.
• Build the capacity of the state workforce and develop future health leaders who work directly with state ministries.

“The Med-QUEST division is excited to promote partnerships with the School of Social Science,” said Judy Mohr Peterson, director of Medicaid and administrator of Med-QUEST, in a release. “By working together, we can carry out important research and influence Hawaii’s health policy.”

Funded by Med-QUEST, two faculty positions will be established in the School of Social Science to lead and direct health policy initiatives, as well as a number of staff positions to support the initiative’s efforts.