Honolulu, HI Oct. 13, 2022 — Local volunteers have been honored by the American Heart Association for their work to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality in Hawaii. The Association’s Hawaii Division board members were recognized as a “Gold Standard Board” for helping the Association make strides toward its mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

The 2021-22 Board members were: Michael Lui, M.D. (president); Jason Fujita (chair); Rick Bruno, M.D., FACEP; Jackie De Luz; Brandt Farias; Glen Kaneshige; Zia Khan, M.D., MPH; Brandon Kurisu; Michael Rembis, FACHE; Andrew Rosen; Timothy Slottow; David Underriner and Jennifer Walker.                                                                                                           

Boards designated as Gold Standard must meet a high number of criteria, which includes engaging community members and local employers to participate in health initiatives such as CPR education, high blood pressure management, advocating for policies aimed at increasing access to healthy food, decreasing tobacco use and championing equitable health and well-being.

“We are relentless in our pursuit of improving the health of our community. The challenges are great, but together we are making a difference. I hope that our efforts inspire other people, organizations, and communities to become more involved with the American Heart Association,” said Jason Fujita, Board chair and vice president of sales and branch operations, HPM Hawai’i. “I am confident that with every step, we are closer to our mission of achieving equitable health for all in Hawaii.”

Here in Hawaii, the American Heart Association is focused on nutrition security and controlling hypertension. It’s also supporting health policies to reduce nicotine addiction, regulate e-cigarette sales, expand access to affordable fresh produce, make telecommunication CPR instruction available when calling 9-1-1, and decrease sugary drink sales and consumption.

The board of the American Heart Association, Hawaii Division is one of only 31 of the Association’s boards nationwide to be recognized with this distinction.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. Or call our Hawaii Division office at 377-6630, go to our local web site at www.heart.org/hawaii, and follow our Hawaii social media sites on Facebook and Instagram.

For Media Inquiries:

Don Weisman: 808-377-6636, don.weisman@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org