HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A recent surge in Mpox cases worldwide has spotlighted a pressing issue within the United States' healthcare system.
A new study shows that many states, including Hawaiʻi, could face significant challenges in providing adequate care if another global health crisis strikes.
The study analyzed hospital bed availability across the U.S. using data from the Sheps Center and census information. It found that Hawaiʻi ranks as one of the states least prepared to handle a large number of patients.
In Hawaiʻi, there are only 1.85 hospital beds available per 1,000 residents, making it the second lowest in the nation. This compares to Mississippi, which has the highest number of hospital beds, with 4.87 per 1,000 people.
Despite having fewer beds, Hawaiʻi’s critical care capacity is slightly better, with 1.92 critical care beds per 1,000 people.
The study ranks states based on their hospital bed availability, revealing that Washington is the least equipped, with just 1.79 beds per 1,000 people. Hawaiʻi follows closely with its own shortage of beds, compounded by a high demand for critical care services.
Hawaiʻi has 2,651 total hospital beds and 2,750 critical care beds spread across its general and specialty hospitals.
With only 1.81 hospitals per 100,000 people, the state’s healthcare system is struggling to keep up with the demands of its population. This becomes a significant concern in the event of a health emergency, like a potential Mpox outbreak.
In comparison, Mississippi stands out with 4.87 hospital beds per 1,000 people and 3.26 critical care beds per 1,000. The state’s robust healthcare system includes 94 general hospitals and 16 specialty hospitals, offering a total of 12,024 general hospital beds and 2,286 specialty hospital beds. Mississippi’s preparedness contrasts sharply with Hawaii’s more strained resources.
The study's findings underscore a critical issue: the disparities in healthcare readiness across the U.S.
A spokesperson from Omega Law Group, who conducted the study, emphasized the importance of addressing these differences.
"This study highlights the disparities in healthcare and access to hospital beds across different states," they said. "It's crucial for both policymakers and the public to be aware of these differences to address the underlying issues and improve hospital bed availability where it is needed most."
Other states with limited hospital bed availability include Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. Utah has 1.93 beds per 1,000 people, Idaho has 1.99, and Oregon has 2.08. Each of these states faces its own challenges in providing adequate healthcare services, particularly in times of crisis.
On the other hand, states like Louisiana and Arkansas also show high hospital bed availability, with Louisiana offering 4.48 beds per 1,000 people and Arkansas providing 4.03.
These states are better positioned to handle a surge in patients, thanks to their larger number of hospital beds and critical care resources.
This study is a wake-up call for the U.S., and Hawaiʻi, revealing that while some states are well-equipped to manage healthcare crises, others, including Hawaiʻi, may struggle significantly.
The findings suggest an urgent need for policy changes and improvements in hospital infrastructure to ensure that all states can provide adequate care in emergencies.
You can click here to read more about the study.
As Hawaiʻi and other states work to address these gaps, it is clear that proactive measures and increased resources are essential to protect public health and prepare for future challenges.
