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HPU's School of Nursing students, accompanied by HPU Assistant Professor Leeah Javier, DNP, RN, recently met with Hawai'i House Representative Amy Perruso of District 46 to address pressing community concerns. During the visit, students had the opportunity to participate in a House chamber meeting where they were introduced to House representatives and gained valuable insights into the legislative process. The engagement underscores HPU's commitment to fostering civic involvement and addressing local issues through collaboration with elected officials.

The visit was particularly relevant because future nurses are poised to become pivotal agents of change through their roles in public service, advocacy, and policymaking. Their ability to positively impact communities underscores the significance of engaging with state representatives and understanding the intricacies of policymaking at the legislative level.

HPU students engaged with Rep. Perruso on a variety of community concerns. Among the topics discussed were disaster preparedness, the escalating homeless population in Wahiawa, and healthcare provisions following the transition of Wahiawa General Hospital and Long-term Care facilities to Queen's management.

Students queried how accurate information about disaster preparedness could reach all residents and how to ensure community readiness for disasters. Additionally, concerns were raised about plans to tackle the rising homeless population in lower Wahiawa, with a noted increase in homeless individuals. With the transition of healthcare facilities, students sought clarification on further strategies to address community healthcare needs. 

“I think going to the House of Representative meetings would be great for anyone who wants to better serve their community to grasp a better understanding of what all goes into decision making,” HPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing student Whitni Speegle said. “I don’t know much about politics, policy change, or anything of the sort but this experience had kind of sparked my interest to possibly get more involved in making changes. I have always wanted to help people and I don’t think I can really make a difference big enough to impact a large majority if I do not push to go higher. I hope to see changes in the Wahiawa community, but I realize it will be quite some time for major things to change and the people to feel the impact. Today’s experience really was one I will hold on to for years to come and I hope that everyone there took something away from it.”

To learn more about the HPU School of Nursing, click here.