"In alignment with the (Gov. David Ige) administration, but also just personally with who I am, this is about pulling back the curtain on government," Wong said earlier this month at her first meeting with the Star-Advertiser editorial board. "And it's not just to say these are how our policies and decisions are made, but it's about engaging with stakeholders, whether that's legislators or the media or the people we serve. It's engaging those folks so that it's an ongoing conversation, so by the time the decisions get made, it's not a surprise."
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At DHS, there are a million dots to connect. “DHS overall is certainly comprehensive,” says Wong. “It covers almost all of human experience, especially that of our most vulnerable neighbors.” Her list includes foster children, the homeless, immigrants, the disabled, seniors and the poor, and the services include welfare, food benefits, Medicaid, public housing, youth corrections, and the commissions on the Status of Women and on Fatherhood. Wong feels she’s in the right job at the right time. “By nature I’m a connector. I feel affirmed by interconnectivity. I’m alive because of someone’s gift. … I love it when people bring the resources they bring.”
Cathy Betts, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women (HSCSW) was interviewed on Hawaii Public Radio, The Conversation. The March 10, 2015 program segment entitled, The Best and Worst Cities for Women in 2015, runs 10 minutes 11 seconds. To see The Wallet Hub survey of the best and worst ...
Read More In the News: Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made funds available that enable the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide eligible farmers markets and direct marketing farmers with free electronic benefit transfer (EBT) equipment to process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Administered through the Farmer’s Market Coalition (FMC), the Free SNAP EBT Equipment Program expands access to fresh produce for SNAP beneficiaries and expands commerce options for farmers and farmers markets.
Honolulu, HI – Members of the State Senate Committee on Human Services and Housing today voted to confirm gubernatorial nominee Rachael Wong, DrPH as the director of the Department of Human Services (DHS). “Dr. Wong’s strong experience and compassion to improve community health makes her the perfect candidate for this critically important position,” said Senator ...
Read More Senate Committee Confirms DHS Director
A slight correction and update to your article. The Department of Human Services no longer has oversight of Adult Residential Care Homes & Foster Homes. Effective July 1, 2014, the Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) took over regulatory functions of community care foster family homes (CCFFH), case management agencies (CMAs) and Adult Day Care facilities from the Department of Human Services (DHS) Adult Protective and Community Services Branch (APCSB).
The article suggests that DHS did not translate the COFA notices re: health coverage and transition to Health Connector. In fact, the DHS Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Program translated several documents into various languages
Senator Josh Green MD, host of Health Care in Hawaii, speaks with Rachael Wong (Director, Hawaii Department of Human Services) about her extensive experience in healthcare and the role and services of the Department of Human Services. This program aired on Jan. 27, 2015.
For Immediate Release: January 30, 2015 The Department of Human Services (DHS) Med-QUEST Division (MQD) is reminding Hawaii residents about the Feb. 15, 2015 deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan. The MQD processes applications to determine individual eligibility for MQD programs. The MQD accepts and processes applications throughout the year. If an applicant ...
Read More Feb. 15, 2015 Deadline to Enroll in a Health Insurance Plan
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Med-QUEST Division (MQD) has restored access to its eligibility system. The scheduled system enhancements of KOLEA included changes to both the client and worker portals, and users should experience improved automation of the eligibility process and easier access to health care coverage. Individuals may now resume applying online through ...
Read More KOLEA Maintenance is a Success