HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE

INTERIM OF 2008

 

COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

Rep. Josh Green, M.D., Chair

Rep. John Mizuno, Vice Chair

 

Rep. Karen Leinani Awana

Rep. Karl Rhoads

Rep. Della Au Belatti

Rep. Maile S. L. Shimabukuro

Rep. Joe Bertram, III

Rep. James Kunane Tokioka

Rep. Rida T.R. Cabanilla

Rep. Gene Ward, Ph.D.

 

NOTICE OF MEETING

 

DATE:

Monday, June 23, 2008

TIME:

10 a.m.

PLACE:

Conference Room 329

State Capitol

415 South Beretania Street

 

A G E N D A

 

This purpose of this Informational Briefing is to review the impact of Lupus in Hawaii, the services and programs that are available to individuals with Lupus and prospective policies to effectively deal with Lupus in Hawaii.

 

Lupus is a widespread and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissue and organs, including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood, and skin.  Although there is no cure for Lupus, we now know there are genetic factors, environmental triggers and certain types of drugs that can cause Lupus.

 

The immune system normally protects the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials.  However, for those that suffer from Lupus, their immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissue.  The immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself.

 

The following agencies and representatives have been invited to participate in the briefing:

 

The Director of the State Department of Health or her designee; and

 

Medical Doctors and experts dealing with Lupus; and

 

Representatives from Lupus Hawaii; and

 

Healthcare providers and organizations dealing with Lupus.

 

No public testimony will be accepted.

 

If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e., sign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 586-6050 at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for arrangements.  Prompt requests submitted help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations.

 

For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6050.

 

Selected meetings are broadcast live.  Check the current legislative broadcast schedule on the "Capitol TV" Web site at www.capitoltv.org OR call 550-8074.

 

 

 

 

________________________________________

Rep. Joshua B. Green, M.D.

Chair