Grants of $3.8 million in 2021 support community health

HONOLULU — Every year, Kaiser Permanente partners with community organizations across the state that are working to address some of the most pressing socioeconomic issues impacting Hawaii residents. In 2021, Kaiser Permanente provided $3.8 million in total support to organizations that strive to uplift local communities by providing services to improve social determinants that ultimately drive good health and well-being.

“At Kaiser Permanente, we believe that everyone has the fundamental right to live a healthy and fulfilling life,” said Greg Christian, Hawaii Market president, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals. “Factors such as a safe place to live, access to nutritious food, and opportunities for professional development of any kind all contribute to our overall health. We’re grateful to our community partners for extending care beyond our clinics and hospitals and for their dedication to making Hawaii a better place.”

Grant funding was distributed to 50 community organizations and awards were dispersed in the following key focus areas:

• $968,000 toward pandemic relief ensuring that communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 had resources and support to access vaccines
• $735,000 toward housing and homeless services such as providing housing assistance to veterans and establishing on-site health care services in areas where homeless populations are most concentrated
• $593,000 toward safety net services that reduce barriers to health care access in underserved communities, including the expansion of telehealth services
• $322,000 toward food security through grants to local food banks and food distribution agencies
• $300,000 in scholarships to address Hawaii’s physician shortage and encourage local students to pursue careers in the health field

“This year, as COVID-19 vaccines became available, it was important for us to partner with organizations that are working on the ground in underserved communities to make sure everyone had access to vaccination information and education,” said John Yang, MD, president and medical director for Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. “As we emerge from this pandemic, we are committed to continuing to partner with organizations that are dedicated to uplifting Hawaii’s people.”

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve approximately 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.