Partnerships and Collaboration
The UN warned that the pandemic would disproportionately impact Indigenous people because of underlying health inequities associated with SDOH. This paper can help with “visioning” action for response and recovery. It highlights data, in Hawaii, and 4 other western States, showing that MHPI have high rates of COVID-19. Reliable and timely data are vital (longstanding issues). The higher risk of infection among NHPI is linked to preexisting health inequities. Chronic medical conditions, linked to the SDOH, are high. The paper highlights the economic conditions of the NHPI population, and emerging behavioral health impact of COVID-19. It also mentions the resilience and cultural assets of NHPI Communities, including the values and practices of aloha (compassion), malama (caring) and lokahi (unity). Recommendations: an emergency response plan developed through engagement with NNHPI stakeholders, and a longer term recovery plan to address employment, education, the racial wealth gap, food insecurity, housing, healthcare, criminal justice, and legal issues.