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October 3, 2003
Elaine Andrade is the new head of the Office of Health Equity (OHE)
for the Hawaii State Department of Health. Andrade is tasked with
bridging the gap between distribution of health services and the health
status of Hawai`i’s people.
Her long-term goals for the office include developing collaborative
partnerships with community health groups; and highlighting the link
between health status, socio-economic status and ethnicity.
OHE will examine Department of Health’s current programs and
services before making recommendations to improve and eliminate health
disparities in Hawai`i.
"The first thing we have to do is define each concept; health
disparities, health inequity and health inequality," says Andrade,
"then we can assess where the shortcomings are and begin to lay the
foundation for improved health outcomes for all ethnic
populations."
Andrade has worked in the private sector, managed care and
government arena. Previously, she has worked as a Program Specialist
and R.N. Case Manager for the Department of Human Services, a Complex
School Health Nurse for the Department of Health, and the Director of
Infection Control and Employee Health for the East Hawai`i Region for
HHSC.
As a representative of E’ Ola Mau, Elaine participated on the
Governor’s Advisory Group on Native Hawaiian Health. She has also
been a past member of the Windward Sub-Area Council for State Health
Planning Development Agency (SHPDA) and on the Board of Directors of
the American Cancer Society-East Hawai`i Region.
Andrade holds degrees in Nursing, Justice Administration and has a
Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Her varied
professional experiences supply the skills and knowledge needed to
achieve the goals of the Office of Health Equity, helping to increase
access and availability of healthcare for all of Hawaii’s
people.
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For information, contact:
Elaine Andrade
Health Equity Coordinator
Phone: 586-4673
E-mail: ekandrad@mail.health.state.hi.us
Darcie Yukimura
Public Information Specialist
Phone: 586-4402
E-mail: dayukimura@mail.health.state.hi.us
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