Native Hawaiians were the only racial/ethnic group in the United States for whom mortality rates increased between 1980 and 1990 (Braun et al, 1996). The problems facing Hawaiian women are similar to those of other women abusing drugs or alcohol. They are reluctant to admit the need for treatment due to fear of rejection by their family and community, lack of financial resources, and the fear of losing their children. In addition, cultural barriers hinder Native Hawaiians from seeking assistance from the non-Hawaiian community.
A local service agency in collaboration with other social service providers has developed an innovative program to serve primarily Native Hawaiian, substance abusing women who are either pregnant or parenting. This paper will present the initial results of a culturally based, outreach/substance abuse treatment/HIV prevention intervention with women in rural areas of Hawaii. The data will indicate that more Native Hawaiian women are accessing addiction treatment services and improving their primary health care outcomes than before program implemention. Preliminary process evaluation results on interagency, community-based agencies will show that such approaches better address the needs of the population served. The paper will conclude with additional recommendations for increasing acceptability of treatment services for Native Hawaiian women.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation audience will have a clear understanding of how culturally appropriate services can improve outcomes for indigenous populations
Keywords: Indigenous Populations, Outreach Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.