‘Reach Out and Read’ campaign kicsk off
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth on Tuesday emphasized his commitment to early childhood learning by kicking off a “Reach Out and Read” campaign earlier alongside Hawaii County’s new Early Childhood Resource Coordinator Angela Thomas, in Hilo.
The “Reach Out and Read” program aims to put books into the hands of families with young children to encourage a love of reading and support early learning. The first delivery was to Dr. Angela Lind at the Hawaii Island Community Health Center. Her son, Mario, was the first to get a book and special reading by Roth.
“Fostering lifelong learners is a key component to creating a sustainable future for our island that will allow families to thrive and succeed here for generations to come,” said Roth. “Our administration is committed to solving the many issues plaguing our keiki and their parents and will continue to invest in programs that build childcare capacity, bolster workforce development in the childcare industry, and support the health and wellbeing of our local families.”
“Reach Out and Read” is a national nonprofit that champions the positive effects of reading to keiki daily and engaging in other language-rich activities with young children by distributing age-appropriate books to families through pediatricians and health clinics.
Four offices on the island are already involved in the program, and now, with the county’s funding and support, it is possible to offer the program to all pediatricians or other practitioners who see babies/young children for wellness checks.
The first shipment of 5,000 books was received last month and is being divided with 2,500 available for distribution on each side of the island.
Additionally, Thomas has convened a working group of early childhood education providers and professionals who will provide input into the island’s needs.
“It has been some time since early childhood professionals have been called on to participate in their industry initiatives,” said Thomas. “This initiative has been prioritized because of our declining third-grade reading scores. Reading at grade level in third grade is an important marker for future success, not only in school but also in life. Giving our keiki every chance to succeed is a priority for this administration.”
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Green declares January as ‘Hawaii One Health Month’
Gov. Josh Green has declared the month of January 2023 as “Hawaii One Health Month” by way of a gubernatorial proclamation.
“One Health” issues are defined as those affecting human, animal, and environmental health. Solving these issues requires a collaborative effort of multiple health and social science professions, together with their related disciplines and institutions – working locally, nationally, and globally.
This recognition of One Health by Green builds upon previous initiatives across thestate. These include collegiate academic programs, legislation, and U.S. federal activities.
“One Health embodies the Hawaiian cultural practice ‘Malama i ka ‘aina’ that focuses on the deep interconnection of people, animals, and all the land. This is a huge step in the right direction,” said Julie Bennington, a veterinarian and lecturer at UH Manoa’s Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences Department.
The purpose of the proclamation is to support, strengthen and expand One Health-related efforts in Hawaii, and to increase awareness of One Health principles to improve human health, animal health, environmental stewardship, and prospects for agriculture and fisheries.
“Mahalo to Gov. Green for his commitment to a holistic approach to community health,” said Stephanie Kendrick, director of community engagement for the Hawaiian Humane Society.
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First Insurance Company announces 2022 charitable donations
First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) continued its commitment to the local community in 2022 by donating $707,275 to more than 80 charitable organizations across the state. Among the organizations that received financial donations in 2022 were Aloha United Way, American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, American Red Cross, Easterseals Hawaii, Helping Hands Hawaii, Hawaii Public Radio, Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Malama Learning Center and the University of Hawaii Foundation.
In celebration of its 111th anniversary in 2022, FICOH donated $111,000 to local environmental and sustainability nonprofits committed to protecting and preserving Hawaii’s natural resources. Environmental efforts included a three-year tree planting partnership with the Malama Learning Center to support native reforestation efforts at Palehua and a donation of $111 in each associate’s name to one of 11 environmental organizations.
In addition to the company’s charitable giving, FICOH associates participating in the First Insurance Community Action Team (First CAT) donated more than 420 volunteer hours in 2022. Volunteers participated in a variety of environmental efforts, including preparing planting areas for native species at Kapapapuhi Point Park, supporting restoration efforts at the Huilua Fishpond at Kahana Bay, clearing brush at the Loko Ea Fishpond near Haleiwa, and planting native Hawaiian plants at Malama Learning Center’s baseyard at Palehua and food forest site in Kunia.
“First Insurance prides itself on supporting local nonprofit organizations that are aligned with our charitable giving focuses,” said Todd Takayama, president and chief underwriting officer. “We especially appreciate our associates’ support and active participation in creating a stronger and more resilient Hawaii for future generations.”
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