PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Tammy Brownfield
tammy.m.brownfield@kp.org
Fully equipped vehicle increases access to health care for communities across Oahu.
HONOLULU — Kaiser Permanente of Hawaii’s mobile health vehicle has returned to Oahu after serving the West Maui community following the Lahaina fires. The mobile health vehicle is part of Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing commitment to provide access to high-quality health care services in the communities it serves. Based at the Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center, the mobile health vehicle will serve members at various locations across Oahu including the KEY Project in Kaneohe, Dillingham Plaza, ‘Ohana Kāko‘o in Waianae, Waialua Community Association in Haleiwa, and the Filipino Community Center (FilCom) in Waipahu. A second Kaiser Permanente mobile health vehicle from the mainland remains in front of the Kaiser Permanente Lahaina Clinic.
The 40-foot-long vehicle, which was given the name Keēwemauliola, meaning “sprout of health and wellness,” is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, two full-size exam rooms, a prep area for testing and medications, and a physician documentation station. Staffed with Kaiser Permanente staff members and clinicians, the mobile health vehicle will serve as a primary care extension to members (Monday through Thursday) and will provide other health care services including vaccinations (by appointment) and education and counseling to help prevent and manage ongoing conditions. It will also go to community events where staff will offer free health screenings that include blood pressure, glucose, and body mass index assessments.
Kaiser Permanente members can book an appointment by calling 1-833-833-3333 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the mobile health vehicle, including its schedule and services, please visit kpinhawaii.org/mobilehealth.
“Taking health care on the road, especially in underserved areas, will allow us to reach more people and help reduce health disparities across Oahu,” said Ed Chan, MHA, RD, market president for Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii. “Our hope is that people who may not have been able to see their doctor before due to lack of transportation or other barriers will now have a convenient way to get the care they need.”
“Mobile health programs have been shown to increase participation in recommended screenings and improve the management of chronic diseases, especially for those who have a hard time getting to a doctor’s office,” said John Yang, MD, president and medical director, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. “We’re excited that we’re now able to provide high-quality care on wheels with this modern mobile health clinic.”