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!

💭 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 🌍

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.💥 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.

🔎 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)

🌊 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)

📈 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)

💪 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).

📚 V. Research This:

1. Garamone, J. (2023). Economic Cooperation and the State Partnership Program.
2. Blair, C. (March 1, 2017). Lawmakers Urge Medical Help For Micronesian Veterans. Civil Beat.
3. Brewington, L., Kokame, K., & Lewis, N. (2021). Global Health Engagement in the Pacific Region.
4. Hagiwara, M. K. (2016). Healthcare Disparities Among Micronesian Veterans.
5. United States Commission on Civil Rights. (2019).
6. Rasmussen, E., Nakano, G., Kabua, S., & Hatoum, A. (2022). Climate-Focused Field Research within the Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory.
7. IMSPARK: Communities Combat Climate Crisis, July 25, 2023, Imagine Pacific Pulse
8. IMEA: Imagine Pacific Envision Analysis - Healthcare for Micronesian Veterans, June 30, 2023, Imagine Pacific Pulse
9. IMSPARK: Imagine Equal Care for COFA, June 26, 2023, Imagine Pacific Pulse
10. IMOA: SPP and COFA, Match Made in the Pacific, July 24, 2023, Rimando, M., Imagine Pacific Pulse

🌍 VI. Impact on Pacific:

Here are the following impacts partnerships and engagements could provide if pursued:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

📊 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.

 📢 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.

🤝 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.

🌊 IMSPARK: Communities Combat Climate Crisis 🌊

 

Imagine... Collaboratively Empowering Communities to Combat Climate Crisis.

💡Imagined Endstate:

The Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory (KASL) presents a groundbreaking vision for combating the climate crisis. Led by a diverse team of scientists, educators, and policymakers, KASL aims to address the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the Pacific.

🔗 Link:

https://doi.org/10.1109/GHTC55712.2022.9911040

📚Source:

Rasmussen, Eric & Nakano, Gregg & Kabua, Senator & Hatoum, Alex. (2022). Climate-Focused Field Research within the Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory. 465-468.

💥What's the Big Deal:

KASL's holistic approach incorporates integrative design principles and sustainability frameworks. 💪 Its unique focus on Ebeye Island, within the Republic of the Marshall Islands, addresses urgent climate change impacts in low-elevation coastal zones.

Through collaboration between indigenous Marshallese and international experts, KASL embodies radical inclusion, combining local knowledge with cutting-edge research. "The purpose of the laboratory would be to test, in a site led by the Marshallese, those ideas that might help ensure the physical, cultural, linguistic, and economic survival of the Marshallese and other atoll nations throughout the Pacific Basin (KASL, 2022)."

By developing climate-resilient solutions for Ebeye and sharing findings with Pacific Island Nations, KASL can create a model for climate adaptation that harnesses the organic assets of Pacific Communities. 🌍

#KASL, #ClimateAdaptation, #PacificCommunities, #Research #Sustainability, #CommunityEmpowerment, #IMSPARK

 

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.

Lt Col Rimando is a graduate of the USAF Air War College and served on numerous State Partnership Program and Global Health Engagements with PACAF, the Hawaii Air National Guard, and the Hawaii National Guard. He is a Flight Surgeon, currently serving as the HING Task Force CBRNE Surgeon for the CERFP. He also works as a MEB Physician with Tripler Army Medical Center.

---

[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). Communiqué 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.

 

🌊IMSPARK! IMOA - Imagine Pacific Original Articles🌊 (Video)

 Welcome to IMSPARK! In this video, we are thrilled to introduce you to IMOA - Imagine Pacific Original Article. IMOA is an exciting addition to Imagine Pacific Pulse, offering a platform for creativity and authenticity in the Pacific's vibrant creative community.

💡 Imagine a future where talented authors and genuine storytellers come together to share their unique perspectives, from thought-provoking real-world issues to captivating fictional tales. IMOA is an open platform that celebrates the power of imagination and diverse narratives from the Pacific region.

💼 At IMOA, we uphold the highest standards of conduct, ensuring that every article is free from plagiarism, exploitation, or threatening language. Each piece undergoes a thorough review by Imagine Pacific, ensuring excellence and professionalism in every published work.

💥 What's the Big Deal? IMOA sets itself apart from our IMEA (Imagine Pacific Envisioned Analysis) by providing an inclusive space for authors to showcase their creativity. It offers readers an opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic narratives that reflect the essence of the Pacific.

🌊 Join us on this literary adventure, as IMOA fosters a community of talented authors and storytelling enthusiasts, celebrating Pacific cultures, traditions, and experiences. Through the power of storytelling, we unite and contribute to a vibrant Pacific Island community where authentic voices thrive. Embark on this journey of creativity and exploration with IMOA. Celebrate the diversity and richness of the Pacific's creative spirit. Subscribe to Imagine Pacific to stay connected with our mission of promoting creativity and authenticity through IMOA and beyond.

#IMOA #ImaginePacific #PacificAuthors #Creativity #PacificCulture #OriginalArticles #IMSPAR

🌊IMSPARK: Imagine... CIV-MIL Engagement and Capacity Building in the Pacific 🌊

🌊IMSPARK: Imagine... CIV-MIL Engagement and Capacity Building in the Pacific 🌊

🤝Imagined Endstate:

The Pacific region thrives with robust engagement and capacity building initiatives, fostering strong partnerships and empowering nations to address common challenges. Collaborative efforts transform the Pacific into a hub of innovation, resilience, and sustainable development.

🔗 Link:                             

                                          National Guard - State Partnership Program: 30 Years of Success

📚 Source:                          

                                            Jim Garamone, DOD News (Date: July 14, 2023)

What's the Big Deal:

💪The National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP) marks a momentous milestone, commemorating 30 years of successful engagements, exercises, and support to nations worldwide. Originally starting with just 13 countries, the program has now expanded to encompass over 100 nations, making it a cornerstone of U.S. strategy to engage with allies and partners. 🌐 The SPP builds enduring relationships, fostering trust and shared experiences between Guardsmen and their counterparts. These connections have facilitated joint training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response efforts. Remarkably, the program's budget constitutes only 1% of the nation's security cooperation budget but generates 20 to 30% of combatant commands' touch points or engagements, proving its efficiency in promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity.

                                                

                                               #NationalGuard,#StatePartnershipProgram, 

                                                #GlobalHealthEngagement, #Collaboration

 

🔬IMSPARK: Advancing Alzheimer's Treatment🔬

🔬IMSPARK: Advancing Alzheimer's Treatment🔬

💡 IMAGINED ENDSTATE:

Imagine a future where individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease have access to effective treatments that target the underlying disease process, providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life. Through continued research and innovation, we envision a world where Alzheimer's is better understood, and ultimately, a cure is discovered, bringing hope and healing to those affected by this devastating condition.

Link:                                            

🔗 [Link to the FDA article]

Source:

📚 FDA. (2023, January 6). FDA Grants Accelerated Approval for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment.

💥 WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL:

 The FDA grants accelerated approval for Leqembi, a breakthrough Alzheimer's disease treatment targeting the underlying disease process. It provides a new treatment option addressing amyloid beta plaque, a hallmark characteristic of the disease. This approval represents a significant advancement in Alzheimer's treatment, offering hope to millions affected. However, warnings for potential side effects like ARIA and infusion-related reactions emphasize the need for careful monitoring and management. This milestone underscores the importance of ongoing research and innovation to improve treatment options and find a cure for Alzheimer's.

 

#FDA, #Alzheimers, #Breakthrough, #Healthcare, #HealthAccess

 

🌐 IMSPARK: Advancing Cancer Research for Veterans 🌐

 🌐 IMSPARK: Advancing Cancer Research for Veterans 🌐

🩺Imagined Endstate:  Cancer research and treatment for veterans Prioritized 🩺🔬🌱

Links:

-          Cancer Research Getting New VA Effort as Burn Pit-Linked Cases Expected to Rise 🔗

-          IMEA: Imagine Pacific Envision Analysis - Healthcare for Micronesian Veterans🔗

Sources:

1.       IMSPARK (2023, June 30). IMEA: Imagine Pacific Envision Analysis - Healthcare for Micronesian Veterans. Imagine Pacific Pulse. 📚

 2.       Kheel, R. (2023, June 30). Cancer Research Getting New VA Effort as Burn Pit-Linked Cases Expected to Rise. Military.com. 📚

What's the Big Deal:

The collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Stanford University's medical school signifies a significant leap in cancer research and treatment for veterans impacted by burn pit exposure. With the establishment of a dedicated cancer center, there is a commitment to providing cancer care. Equitable healthcare access is crucial for the maximum participation of all veterans, including Pacific Islanders. By addressing healthcare disparities within these communities, we honor the sacrifices of Micronesian veterans and acknowledge the unique circumstances and contributions of Pacific Islanders in their service to the nation. If built the cancer center could be a remarkable advancement in cancer research and treatment for all veterans, promoting inclusivity and equal access to cutting-edge care and support services. 💪🔬🌍

Key Words: #Veterans #VeteransCare #HealthAccess #HealthDisparities #HealthEquity  #Cancer #IMEA

🌍IMSPARK: Imagine Inclusive and Equitable CDFIs 🌍

 🌍IMSPARK: Imagine Inclusive and Equitable CDFIs 🌍

Imagined Endstate:               

                                                    Imagine a future where Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating inclusive finance that uplifts and empowers marginalized communities. 💼

Link:                                        

                                                            ·        CDFI Playbook: CDFI Playbook 🔗

                                                            ·        CDFI DEI Panel Slides: CDFI DEI Panel Slides 🔗

Source:

                                                            ·        Prosperity Now. (2023). CDFI Playbook. 📚

                                                            ·        Community Development Financial Institutions (2022). 

                                                        CDFI DEI Panel Slides. 📚

What's the Big Deal:

• 🏝️ Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are dedicated to serving and empowering marginalized communities, especially in areas of the Pacific that lack access to major financial institutions. These underserved communities often face significant barriers to accessing affordable financial products and services, hindering their economic growth and potential. 

• 🌊CDFIs can become instrumental in fostering positive social change in the Pacific. They can bridge the financial gaps by providing crucial financial resources such as affordable housing financing, small business loans, and community development investments. 

• 🏘️Through CDFIs' targeted approach and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, underserved Pacific communities can gain access to capital and financial education. This empowers them to participate actively in the economy, boost local businesses, and create sustainable livelihoods. CDFIs serve as a catalyst for change, transforming undercapitalized areas in the Pacific into thriving, prosperous, and inclusive communities. 💪 

#CDFI,#Inclusion,#SocialJustice,#WealthEquity,#GenerationalPoverty,#startupcapital,#BridgingTheGap

🌟IMEA: "Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children." (Video)

 🌟Welcome to the Imagine Pacific YouTube Channel! 

In this video, we present the IMEA (Imagine Pacific Envisioned Analysis) titled "Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children." Join us as we explore strategies to bridge the digital divide, introduce Baby Bonds, address economic disparities within the AAPI community, and work towards ending childhood poverty.

💡 Imagined Endstate: Envision a future where every Pacific Island child has access to economic opportunities, breaking the cycle of poverty and paving the way for long-term success and prosperity. 🔗 Links and Sources: Dive deeper into the topic with links to resources, including information on child economic well-being, the concept of Baby Bonds, economic disparities within the AANHPI community, and IMSPARK articles that provide detailed insights and analysis. 💥 Consider This: Explore the challenges faced by Pacific Island children, such as the high cost of childcare and preschool. Learn about initiatives like the Ready Keiki preschool program and the potential of Baby Bonds to promote wealth equity and economic mobility. 🌍 Impact on Pacific: Discover the far-reaching benefits of improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children. Promote social justice, empower families, and create a stronger foundation for future generations. 📊 Call to Action: Participate in our QR Reader Survey to share your insights and experiences related to the economic well-being of Pacific Island children. Leave a comment, write a letter, and explore Imagine Pacific's YouTube Channel. Don't forget to like and subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos and join the conversation to drive positive change. 💭Conclusion🤝: The economic well-being of Pacific Island children holds the key to unlocking a prosperous future for the entire region. Together, let's invest in their future, ensure access to quality education and affordable childcare, and create opportunities for economic growth. Join us on this journey of empowering Pacific Island children and shaping a brighter tomorrow. #imaginepacific, #IMEA, #pacificislands, #socialjustice, #wealthequity, #babybonds, #AANHPI,

IMSPARK: Preparing for the Aging of the Pacific 🌟

 IMSPARK: Imagine...Preparing for the Aging of the Pacific 🌟

IMAGINED ENDSTATE:

💡 Imagine a future where communities in the Pacific are equipped to address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the aging population, ensuring a high quality of life for seniors and future generations.

LINK:                               

 🔗 Click here to read the full article

🔗 Click here to read the full article

SOURCE:

a.     Civil Beat. (2023, June 28). Hawaii's Population Is Aging Fast. The Impacts Will Be Significant. 📚

b.     Civil Beat. (2023, July 11)Hawaii's Aging Population Is 📚 Straining EMS Services. Expanding This Program Could Help.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL:

💥 The aging of the Pacific population brings both challenges and opportunities that demand proactive measures. As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, the Pacific region faces implications such as a shortage of healthcare providers, limited affordable housing, and a diminishing workforce. However, by implementing innovative solutions and preparing infrastructure and support systems, communities can effectively address these challenges and ensure the well-being and quality of life for seniors and future generations. 

The increasing number of nonemergency medical calls from seniors in Honolulu poses a significant challenge to emergency services. This strain on EMS services has prompted the need for program expansion to address the specific needs of the aging population. By expanding programs like the Crisis, Outreach, Response, and Engagement (CORE) program and implementing initiatives based on the community paramedicine model, Honolulu can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system. This approach promotes better health outcomes for seniors, enables emergency services to focus on urgent cases, and addresses the strain on EMS services caused by nonemergency calls.

#Healthcare,#Kupuna,#EmergencyServices,#CORE,