Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 8, 1 August 2022 — HEALTH [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HEALTH

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Papa Ola Lōkahi Executive Director Dr. Sheri-Ann Daniels says that improving heahh outcomes for our lāhui takes everyone, noting that we continue to deal disproportionately with chronic illnesses, lower life expectancy and increased mental heahh needs. She also points out that social determinants of good heahh (e.g., education, housing, employment) intersect with other areas of our lives and impact every aspect of our heahh and wellness. Daniels believes that one way for OHA to meaningfully address these issues is by strengthening partnerships

witn commumty-based organizations dedicated to heahh and wellbeing and by sponsoring community-focused activities. She would like to see OHA eonduct talk-story sessions and engage people in their communities at gathering opportunities. 'A successful engagement plan would need to be strategic, multi-pronged and long term," said Daniels. "We need to take the time to engage as many as possible in muhiple ways, across demographics and accessibility to create real and achievable goals that fit us now and still offer flexibility as conditions and the environment evolve." She says that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the heahh issues facing Native Hawaiians, but believes that we need spaces to talk, listen and learn to better understand the needs of our people in order to develop better programs and services. Adds Daniels, "addressing Hawaiian heahh and wellbeing enables us to have active cultural practitioners, dedicated 'āina protectors, and whole and functional families that together will comprise a thriving and abundant lāhui."