The Queen’s Health Systems Receives $3 Million Grant to Expand Healthcare Access
The Queen’s Health Systems (QHS) has been awarded a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to bolster healthcare access and services for underserved communities in Hawai‘i. The funding will support both large-scale initiatives and ten smaller community-based projects, focusing on improving care coordination and connecting individuals with essential resources during their recovery.
Expanding Healthcare Reach Across Hawai‘i
QHS, a non-profit healthcare system serving Hawai‘i, operates The Queen’s Medical Center (QMC) in Honolulu, The Queen’s Medical Center – West O‘ahu, and The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā, alongside a network of primary care clinics and urgent care facilities. The grant will enable QHS to expand its reach and enhance the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations throughout the state.
Focus on Care Coordination and Community Support
A key component of the funded projects is improved care coordination. This involves ensuring patients receive seamless transitions between hospital care and community-based services, addressing social determinants of health that impact well-being. The ten smaller projects will focus on specific community needs, offering tailored support to individuals as they recover from illness or injury.
Trauma Injury Prevention Initiatives
As a Level 1 Trauma Center, QHS is committed to injury prevention. The QHS Trauma Injury Prevention Program collaborates with community groups, educators, and law enforcement to promote safety. Outreach coordinators provide education on topics including senior fall prevention, pedestrian safety, distracted driving, and childproofing. Free car seat safety checks are also available to the community by certified child passenger safety technicians; appointments can be scheduled by calling 808-691-7117.
Community Health Needs Assessment Drives Strategic Investments
QHS regularly conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in partnership with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii to identify statewide health needs. The assessment considers social, economic, and physical environments, health risks, and disparities within vulnerable populations. The most recent CHNA, conducted in 2024, informs the strategic allocation of resources and ensures that QHS’s initiatives address the most pressing health challenges facing the community.
QHS Community Outreach Programs
QHS offers a wide range of community outreach programs, including wellness initiatives, educational talks, support groups, chronic disease management programs, and health screenings. These programs aim to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. Additional information about community outreach opportunities can be found on the Queen’s Health Systems website.
Home and Community Health Care Services
In addition to hospital-based care, QHS provides comprehensive home and community health care services, including skilled nursing, personal care, social services, and rehabilitative therapies. These services enable individuals to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes, promoting independence and improving quality of life. More information can be found here.
This grant represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Hawai‘i’s communities, and QHS is dedicated to utilizing these funds effectively to improve access to care and address critical health needs.