FUNDING TO BE RELEASED FOR RURAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM
HONOLULU – Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. has announced that a training program aimed at placing more family physicians on the Neighbor Islands will get funded in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Speaking Thursday at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii 60th Annual Installation Banquet in Hilo, Lt. Governor Aiona said that Gov. Linda Lingle will be releasing funds appropriated for the rural residency program established by the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine specifically for the Big Island.
“I would like to thank the Hilo community for getting behind a program that creates training opportunities on the Neighbor Islands, where there is a shortage of physicians,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “The community’s commitment to this program has made a difference in these funds being released to pay for the operating expenses of the Hawai‘i Island Family Health Center. This is a step in the right direction to address some of the critical challenges facing health care in rural and Neighbor Island communities.”
Lt. Governor Aiona also acknowledged the role played by the Hilo Medical Center Foundation Board in getting the funding released, singling out members such as Ted Hong for praise. He also recognized Carol VanCamp, the East Hawaii representative on the board of directors for the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation. In addition, he credited Sen. Josh Green for not only supporting the program, but keeping the Administration informed about its status and encouraging the release of the funds.
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