Page 8 - MidWeek Windward - June 9, 2021

8 JUNE 9, 2021
Waimānalo Health Care Center Offers Medical Services To Entire Community
FROM PAGE 1
administering the Moderna vaccine, which is a two-dose series. The follow-up date for the second inoculation is July 10. Call 808-954- 7101 or visit waimanalo- health.org/covid19vaccine to schedule an appointment.
one,” states Jasmine LeFe- ver, community relations specialist.
“A large percentage of our patients come from the Ko‘olaupoko area, and others come to see us from across the island.”
Wamānalo Health Center has come a long way from its humble beginnings when a group of women orga- nized to fulfill an anticipated health care void left in the community when a longtime State Department of Health project shut down.
Those women — Patricia Heu, Madi Silverman, Eve Anderson, Kawahine Ka- makea-Ohelo and Mabel Ann Spencer — worked tirelessly and founded the health center.
The campus is home to two buildings, Hale Ola ‘Akahi and Hale Ola ‘Alua. The original site, Hale Ola ‘Akahi, houses dental, el- igibility, WIC and Kū I Ka Māna (youth and young adult services). The new medical building, Hale Ola ‘Alua is home to medical, behavioral health, vision, ma‘iola services (Native Hawaiian healing), nutri- tion, community services and the pharmacy.
“For over 25 years, the health center has cared for patients at its original site,” LeFever explains.
That pharmacy is a new addition, which opened in February.
“(It) has proven to be a much-needed resource in the community,” LeFever adds.
“Many generations of Waimānalo keiki were born, raised and cared for in the health center’s intimate set- ting. However, the timeworn trailers retrofitted to provide medical services provided challenges as the health cen- ter expanded and the com- munity needs evolved.”
“Prescription delivery has been especially help- ful during the pandemic. The pharmacy is open to all patients and community members.”
(Clockwise from top) Hale Ola ‘Alua, which opened in 2019, houses a host of services including its vision, behavioral health and Native Hawaiian healing departments; Dr. Christina Lee with a patient; Dr. Anthony Kim provides the dental care at the health center. PHOTOS COURTESY WAIMĀNALO HEALTH CENTER
Other services that un- doubtedly came in handy during the pandemic were its telehealth services, which allow patients to connect with medical professionals from their homes; transpor- tation coordination to and from appointments as need- ed, and COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics.
This led to a campaign to build an expansion to the health center — a per- manent building that could house more services to bet- ter serve the community. LeFever explains that the project was based on the ‘ōlelo noʻeau Ola I Ka Wai A Ka ‘Ōpua, which means “There is life in the water from the clouds.” The idea behind this is that raindrops symbolize blessings and nourishment and that, when combined “these enriching waters can invigorate and uplift the community.”
more than a 17,000-square- foot two-story structure. We are building hope, optimism, resources and change,’” Le- Fever asserts.
expansion came to fruition. Construction started in 2017 and it welcomed its first pa- tient in 2019.
Keeping its focus on the community and, holding steadfast to its values, the health center’s evolution is ongoing.
grow,” LeFever asserts. “The health center’s orig- inal site, vacated by most medical services is ready
After a capital campaign (led by former medical di- rector, Dr. Charman Akina) that raised $13 million, the
Although Akina passed away before the new fa- cility opened, the upstairs medical floor is dedicated in his honor.
“Enhancing its existing services and expanding to new services, Waimānalo Health Center continues to
for more.”
To schedule an appoint-
ment, call 808-259-7948. For more information, visit wamianalohealth.org.
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In fact, the health center offers vaccination clinics Monday-Friday. It’s open to anyone 18 and older. A spe- cial Saturday clinic is slat- ed for June 12, starting at 9 a.m. Participants must by 18 years or older and bring an ID and insurance card, if available.Theclinicwillbe
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