On December 15, 2016, the Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center (PBTRC) participated in a video teleconference ceremony to launch the opening of the Pohnpei Telemedicine Room in the Pohnpei Hospital. The ceremony was attended by the Pohnpei State Governor, the Chairman of Health, Senators, and the Director of Pohnpei State Hospital, among other dignitaries.
Dr. Perman, who attended the 2016 USAPI Telehealth Champion Building and Planning Workshop, led the efforts to quickly establish telecommunication links, the designated room, and funding to support the initiative. With the opening of the telemedicine room, they will embark on their first two consultations with Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu. Dr. Craig Ono from Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu will see two of his former patients in Pohnpei by video teleconferencing.
Providers also participated in the ECHO behavioral mental health training sessions that are delivered in conjunction with the University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association, State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health, and PBTRC.