A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR EMBARGOED RELEASE:  10:30 a.m. HSTContact:  Tom Lyon (202) 401-1220    July 8, 1994            Kathryn Kahler (in Hawaii) (808) 924-0548

RILEY, MINK VISIT HEALTH CENTER; CALL FOR UNIVERSAL COVERAGE

HONOLULU, July 8 -- "President Clinton and I are convinced that universal health coverage can and does work. This state is living proof, and it's time to let the secret out," said U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, who today joined Rep. Patsy T. Mink (D-Hawaii) in touring the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Care Center.

"The President's plan guarantees this important protection - - universal coverage -- for every American," Riley said. "Without universal coverage, every American remains in risk."

Riley said Hawaii has moved closer to universal coverage than any other state and has been a leader in reforming the traditional system of private, employer-based health coverage. "Not only does this state have an excellent health care system," Riley said, "but the adoption of this system helped the general welfare of the state. After Hawaii began to ask its employers to contribute to health care coverage, unemployment dropped, small business prospered, and costs have been controlled."

Riley said universal coverage is a vital issue to every American, including more than 8 million children who are without any form of coverage. He cited recent Census data, revealing that nearly one in three children -- more than 20 million kids -- were without health insurance protection for all or part of the years 1987-1989.

"We know that good health positively impacts a child's ability to learn," Riley said. "We know that children who come to school healthy -- who have gotten their shots and participated in early childhood programs -- who are part of a cooperative effort involving schools, communities and homes that provide a healthy and safe environment -- are children that are engaged and ready to learn."

Riley also praised the community-owned, community-operated Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center as an example of the level of service that should be available to everyone. In addition to 24-hour emergency care, the center provides complete medical services, including dental treatment, counseling, screening, therapy and social services.

Established in 1973, the health center is operated by the Waianae District Comprehensive Health and Hospital Board, Inc., a private, nonprofit corporation. Funding is primarily from patient fees, with additional support from state and federal sources and the Aloha United Way.