Honolulu, Hawaii -- U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie today said Hawaii’s community health centers will be playing a key role in building a statewide computerized network that will enable healthcare providers across the state—and eventually the nation—to access a secure exchange for electronic health information.

“The Hawaii Primary Care Association, which represents community health centers across Hawaii, has been selected to receive one of 18 national grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to advance health information technology (HIT)—one of the key components of healthcare reform,” said Abercrombie.

The 18 national grants total $22.6 million; the Hawaii Primary Care Association’s grant totals $750,000.

“The grants will increase the use of computerized record-keeping systems in Hawaii and the Mainland to improve the safety and quality of healthcare and, at the same time, expand healthcare services to low-income and uninsured individuals through the department’s health center program.”

HIT uses computerized systems to maintain electronic health records that help health care providers to order tests and medications for patients. The development of these systems will also help to build a national health information network.

Beth Giesting, chief executive officer of the Hawaii Primary Care Association, said “the funds will support HPCA’s ability to help community health centers in Hawaii to fully implement the patient-centered healthcare home model, since electronic health records contribute to improved clinical outcomes, increased patient safety, and streamlined management and administrative functions.  It will also ensure that community health centers will be effective partners in statewide health information exchange efforts.”

Many hospitals and physicians in Hawaii have already begun adopting electronic medical records for the benefit of their patients. “One of the great benefits of a statewide—and national—health information exchange will be the elimination of waste. Health providers will have quick access to a patient’s medical history which will help to avoid unnecessary, repeated medical testing and the loss of medical documentation. Coupled with healthcare reform, this effort will help to bring our healthcare system into the 21st Century,” said Abercrombie.

The 18 national grants from the Department of Health and Human Services’ were made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the economic stimulus legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President last February.

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