MEDIA RELEASE

If you are interested in health care in West Hawaii or want to learn more about the Affordable Care Act, two upcoming community forums are designed to answer your questions.

Community Enterprises hosts a two-part program on health care in West Hawaii 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 and 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Makaeo Pavilion at the Old Airport Park.

The Community Forum on September 17 will focus on critical health issues in West Hawaii and specific actions that are being taken by West Hawaii health providers to address them. Presenters for the evening include Dr. Sharon Vitousek, former Director of the North Hawaii Outcomes Project; Susan Hunt, Director of the Hawaii Island Beacon Project to improve the use of innovative technology in patient care; Jay Kreuzer, CEO of Kona Community Hospital; Richard Taaffe, Executive Director of the West Hawaii Community Health Center; and Dr. Jeffrey Tolan, West Hawaii Medical Chief for Kaiser Permanente. The latter three will discuss actions taken by these institutions to improve health care in West Hawaii.

They will be joined by state Sen. Dr. Josh Green in a panel discussion during the second hour of the Sept. 17 forum.

On Tuesday, October 15, the Community Enterprises will present a second health care forum, this one focusing on implementation of the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as ObamaCare.

Tom Matsuda, Implementation Manager of the Affordable Care Act in Hawaii, and Coral Andrews, Executive Director of the Hawaii Health Connector, an on- line health insurance marketplace will be the main presenters. They will also participate in a panel discussion with Senator Josh Green. Representatives from the West Hawaii Community Health Center, Hope Services Hawaii, and the HIV AIDS Foundation who have been trained as Marketplace Assisters regarding the ACA will also be available to provide personal assistance.

Both programs will be moderated by Sherry Bracken. Pupus and beverages will be served.