By ELIKAPEKA FUNAI Community First
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Hawaii Island has faced issues related to access to health care since even before statehood. As a result, our local community has continuously worked together in bridging the gaps in medical aid.

One of the many issues affecting treatment in Hawaii is accessibility. Rural areas have the greatest challenges. According to the 2020 US Census 65% to 70% of Hawaii Island residents live in rural areas. Fortunately, new and effective ways have been developed to improve this geographic issue.

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One such method being telehealth, of which utilization has risen dramatically through the COVID-19 pandemic. Amongst the many areas of telehealth, the use of telemental health increased by a staggering 3,900% during the peak of the pandemic. Telemental health focuses on the mental well-being and stability of an individual, with evaluation and treatment by psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers.

But what does it mean to receive care through telehealth? Telehealth is the delivery of remote medical care through the push of a few buttons and a screen in order to connect with a health care provider.

Services can include primary and specialty care, acute and urgent care, behavioral health and addiction services, crisis intervention, physical therapy, maternal and pediatric care amongst others, via phone call or electronic video on your phone, tablet or computer. Telehealth is a convenient way to improve access to health care despite the many barriers faced by residents of Hawaii Island.

The National Library of Medicine states that telehealth “improves patient satisfaction and reduces the costs of care.” We can see this with lower travel expenses, facility fees and reduction of lost work hours. Additionally, they stated that 67% of those receiving a telehealth session believed that it was the same as an in-person visit, while only 17% preferred an in-person visit.

Anyone can use telehealth, and there is no age limitation. For any questions or concerns, check out hawaiiutelehealth.org for services offered.

According to FAIR Health’s monthly telehealth tracker, as of October 2024, the largest share of telehealth users were 31 to 40 years of age, followed by 19 to 30 years of age.

Through telehealth, patients are able to receive the care they need while also partaking in cost-effective practices. The convenience and increased safety are some of the benefits that have people gravitating to telehealth. One can find free telemental health services through the Hawaii Utelehealth website.

There are many telehealth outlets that provide 24-hour services so one can get care at any time. Even for those who don’t have their own technology, try checking into your local library where they may have telehealth health kits. Inside you’ll find a Chromebook and hotspot, all for free.

At the end of the day, telehealth decreases barriers and increases access to care, regardless of economic class, and reduces effects of provider shortages, geographic locations, and socioeconomic limitations. This form of health care doesn’t have to be solely for immediate or urgent aid, but also for those who have daily small concerns.

Let’s take advantage of the advances made in technology and health care to create a closer community where we support one another’s needs. Next time you’re thinking about scheduling a doctor’s appointment, try a telehealth session!

Elikapeka Funai is a senior at Waiakea High School. Her senior project is with Community First Hawaii.

This editorial is brought to you by Community First Hawaii a nonprofit serving as a convener and catalyst for solutions to improve health and access to health care. For more information, please visit our website at www.communityfirsthawaii.org or Facebook and Instagram pages at @communityfirsthawaii.