Welcome to Imagine Pacific Pulse (IMPULSE), a blog focused on promoting social justice, digital equity, poverty alleviation, veteran advocacy, and utilizing technology to empower marginalized communities in the Pacific. Our mission is to shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals in the Pacific region, while raising awareness about disability studies, wealth mobility, and fostering an inclusive society.
Friday, July 28, 2023
π₯IMEA COFA SUPPORT NOW! - (VIDEO)π₯
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
IMEA: To Pay the Price: The Case for Investing in the Future of COFA Now!
IMEA: To Pay the Price: The Case for Investing in the Future of COFA Now!
π I. Imagine...
Cultivating new and vibrant sustainment partnerships via stakeholder collaborations in the Compact of Free Association (COFA) Nations with entities such as the Hawaii National Guard, the State of Hawaii Department of Health, DOD, the University of Hawaii, and the VA π
II. Imagined Endstate:
Imagine a future where Micronesians have access to essential healthcare services and a supportive system that recognizes and maximizes their organic community assets. Through strategic engagements, research, and developing community-based assets collaborative partnerships and engagements could empower the region to further its resiliency and thrive.
III.π₯ What's the Case:
The COFA nations are facing a convergence of critical challenges, and an international transformative and all-encompassing approach to investing in their future becomes imperative. These nations find themselves at the crossroads of an existential climate crisis, grappling with extreme vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Despite their rich cultural heritage and resilience, they rank among the poorest per capita nations in the world, confronting economic disparities that hinder their growth and development. Furthermore, the geographic separation from the United States has left many Micronesian veterans unseen, and deprived of the care they are entitled to as US veterans. Finally, there is a historical indebtedness by the countries who conducted atomic testing for over a decade, they hold some accountability for the aftermath effect on the region's vulnerable population.
π IV. Consider This:
⏳ Challenges Faced by Micronesian Veterans: Micronesian veterans encounter numerous obstacles in accessing healthcare despite their dedicated service. The limited capacity in U.S. military hospitals in Hawaii often leaves many veterans without the medical attention they deserve. Additionally, the high cost of healthcare and complexities surrounding health insurance further hinder their access to essential medications and treatments, adding to the burden they bear after serving their nation. (Blair, 2017)
π Impacts of Climate Change: The adverse impacts of climate change pose significant threats to vulnerable island states like the COFA nations. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and environmental degradation are some of the challenges these nations face, putting their very existence at risk. (Rasmussen, 2022)
⏰ Health Disparities in Hawaii: A study by the East-West Center showed that Micronesians had significantly worse Severity of Illness (SOI) for various health-related hospitalizations, emphasizing the need for support to address disparities (Hagiwara, 2016)
π U.S. Commission on Civil Rights reported more than $1 billion in costs associated with providing service to Micronesians for Hawaii and adjoining Pacific U.S. Territories (Rights, 2019)
πͺ SPP's Role in Theater Security: The State Partnership Program (SPP) plays a crucial role in bolstering theater security and stability in the Pacific region. The SPP's efforts in building partnerships can serve as a strategic counterbalance to their growing influence and help ensure the long-term stability and development of the COFA nations (Rimando, 2023).
π V. Research This:
- Garamone, J. (2023). Economic Cooperation and the State Partnership Program.
- Blair, C. (March 1, 2017). Lawmakers Urge Medical Help For Micronesian Veterans. Civil Beat.
- Brewington, L., Kokame, K., & Lewis, N. (2021). Global Health Engagement in the Pacific Region.
- Hagiwara, M. K. (2016). Healthcare Disparities Among Micronesian Veterans.
- United States Commission on Civil Rights. (2019).
- Rasmussen, E., Nakano, G., Kabua, S., & Hatoum, A. (2022). Climate-Focused Field Research within the Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory.
- IMSPARK: Communities Combat Climate Crisis, July 25, 2023, Imagine Pacific Pulse
- IMEA: Imagine Pacific Envision Analysis - Healthcare for Micronesian Veterans, June 30, 2023, Imagine Pacific Pulse
- IMSPARK: Imagine Equal Care for COFA, June 26, 2023, Imagine Pacific Pulse
- IMOA: SPP and COFA, Match Made in the Pacific, July 24, 2023, Rimando, M., Imagine Pacific Pulse
π VI. Impact on
Pacific:
Here are the following impacts partnerships and engagements could provide if pursued:
- Pacific Region Stability: As near-peer competitor nations expand their influence in the Pacific, it becomes increasingly vital for the United States to strategically prioritize its engagement with COFA countries. The SPP's proactive efforts in building and strengthening partnerships can serve as an essential counterbalance, preserving the sovereignty and security of the region. By fostering enduring relationships, the SPP facilitates an environment where COFA nations can confidently navigate diplomatic complexities and maintain their independence in a changing geopolitical landscape.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Vulnerable island states, such as the COFA nations, face unprecedented challenges from the adverse impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and environmental degradation pose significant threats to their very existence. Organizations like the Kwajalein Atoll Sustainment Laboratory (KASL) and the University of Hawaii could foster focus on environmental protection and sustainability, serving as a valuable resource, and facilitating knowledge sharing and technical assistance.
- Infrastructural Development: The COFA nations' economic vulnerability necessitates international support and cooperation for sustainable development. Through a program like the SPP, the National Guard could offer expertise and resources in critical areas such as disaster response, healthcare, education, and organizational capacity building. In leveraging the resources and experiences of both the National Guard and partner organizations like the Department of Health, and Emergency Management Agency, strategic partnerships become vehicles to unlock potential, facilitate growth, reduce dependence, and foster sustainable progress in the Pacific.
- Reduce Healthcare Disparities: Global health engagements hold promise for addressing healthcare disparities in the COFA nations. By tapping into the National Guard's and University of Hawaii's expertise in both the medical logistical and telehealth, through medical engagements they could contribute to enhancing Micronesia's preparedness and response mechanisms. Specifically, efforts to mitigate the Severity of Illness (SOI) for various health-related hospitalizations in Micronesia through the SPP can lead to a more equitable and robust healthcare system.
π VII. QR Reader Survey:
To better understand the challenges faced by Micronesian veterans and work towards viable solutions, we invite readers to participate in our QR Reader Survey. Your valuable insights and experiences will help us better understand the issues at hand. Please note that participation in the survey is voluntary and for the purpose of gaining a general assessment of the reader's impression of the IMEA. It is not intended for scientific purposes.
π’ VII. Call to Action:
Imagine Pacific is in support of the COFA Veterans and asks that readers who feel the same consider joining us in advocating for justice and equal access to healthcare for Micronesian veterans. You can support this cause by:
• Leaving a comment on the Imagine Pacific Pulse(www.imagine-pacific.blogspot.com)
• Sending a letter to the Editor: https://www.staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter/
• Reaching out to your local representatives and urging them to support legislation
• Raising awareness about this issue within your social circles and utilizing the provided QR codes to share this IMEA.
π€ VIII. Conclusion:
Investing in the future of COFA nations requires transformative efforts encompassing equitable healthcare access, economic development, climate change resilience, and recognition of historical consequences. Partnerships contribute to Pacific stability amid geopolitical competition, empowering COFA nations to preserve sovereignty. Addressing healthcare disparities, climate change adaptation, and infrastructural development are vital. Collaborative efforts unlock potential, ensuring the well-being of COFA communities and fostering resilience. Let's work towards a thriving COFA future, accessible resources, and a model of sustainability for the world.
Monday, July 24, 2023
IMOA: SPP and COFA, Match Made in the Pacific
(IMOA) Imagine Pacific Original Article
SPP and COFA, Match Made in the Pacific
By Lt. Col. Marlon Rimando, MD
Hawaii Air National Guard
Imagine Pacific Pulse 7/24/2023
In recognition of its 30th anniversary, it’s fitting that the
United States Department of Defense's State Partnership Program (SPP) is poised
more than ever to conduct capacity-building and empowering engagements in the
Pacific (United States Department of Defense, n.d.)[1].
One such area where this could occur is between the National Guard and the
Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations, including the Federated States of
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. In
fostering relationships and promoting security cooperation, the SPP can play a
pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges faced by these Pacific island
nations.
One of the primary interests in the region is the increasing
influence of near-peer competitor nations (Asian Bureau of Research, 2017)[2].
As they expand their economic and diplomatic ties with the COFA nations, it
becomes essential for the United States to prioritize its engagement with these
countries. The SPP's efforts in building partnerships can serve as a strategic
counterbalance to their growing influence and help ensure the long-term
stability and development of the COFA nations.
Climate change is another pressing issue that profoundly
affects the COFA nations. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and environmental
degradation pose significant threats to these vulnerable island states (Pacific
Islands Forum Secretariat, 2022)[3].
The SPP's focus on environmental protection and sustainability can facilitate
knowledge sharing and technical assistance in climate resilience and resource
management, empowering the COFA nations to tackle climate-related challenges
more effectively.
Moreover, the COFA nations' economic status could benefit
from international support and cooperation. Through the SPP, U.S. states can
provide expertise and resources in areas such as disaster response, healthcare,
education, and economic development (Garamone, 2023)[4].
Working together by utilizing apparatus such as the SPP program, the COFA
nations can access critical support to address their economic vulnerabilities
and foster stronger, more resilient communities.
Furthermore, the SPP's emphasis on global health engagement
offers significant potential for the COFA nations. The National Guard's
experience in responding to public health emergencies can be leveraged to help
Micronesia prepare for and respond to health crises, enhancing its capacity to
address health challenges effectively (Brewington, Kokame, & Lewis, 2021)[5].
A study by the East-West Center showed that Micronesians had significantly
worse Severity of Illness (SOI) for various health-related hospitalizations,
emphasizing the need for support to address disparities (Hagiwara, 2016)[6].
Here is a perfect example where a program like the SPP could and should make a
difference.
In conclusion, the State Partnership Program holds immense
promise as a platform for building resilience in the COFA nations and promoting
lasting relationships between U.S. states and these Pacific allies. Coincidently,
the benefit is mutual with development capacity in COFA nations and preventative
measures in the United States, as the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights reported
more than $1 billion in costs associated with providing service to Micronesians
for Hawaii and adjoining Pacific U.S. Territories (Rights, 2019)[7].
As the region faces growing geopolitical competition and climate change
impacts, the SPP's role in fostering enduring partnerships takes on even
greater significance. Strengthening ties and promoting shared goals, the SPP
can contribute to a more comprehensive and coordinated U.S. approach in the
Pacific, ensuring long-term sustainability and development in the region.
[1] United
States Department of Defense. (n.d.). State Partnership Program.
[2] National Bureau of Asian Research. (2017).
China's Belt and Road Initiative in the Pacific Islands: Assessment of key
economic issues and priorities.
[3] Pacific
Islands Forum Secretariat. (2020). CommuniquΓ© of the 51st Pacific Islands
Forum.
[4] Garamone,
J. (July 19, 2023). Milley Touts Successes of Guard's State Partnership
Program. DOD News.
[5] Brewington,
L., Kokame, K., & Lewis, N. (2021). A Changing Climate and Its
Implications for Health and Migration in the Pacific: Examples from the
Marshall Islands. East-West Center.
[6] Hagiwara,
M. K. (2016). Health disparities among Micronesians in Hawaii. Hawaii Journal
of Medicine & Public Health, 75(11), 325-329.
[7] United
States Commission on Civil Rights. (2019). Separate and Unequal: Federal
Protections and Enforcement in the Federated States of Micronesia and the
Republic of Palau.
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