MEDIA RELEASE

First new family health center for Hawaiʻi Island nonprofit aims to end health care barriers for uninsured families

Naʻalehu, HI – Most rural communities know fall as the harvest season but for one remote Hawaiʻi district, seeds of change are just beginning to sprout. Before construction begins on a new health center in Kaʻu, Bay Clinic’s blessing and groundbreaking ceremony set for November 5th hopes to usher in “a new day for health care in Kaʻu” according to their CEO, Paul Strauss.

“Our southernmost ohana suffer the greatest health care disparities on the island,” stated Strauss. “Thanks to the Affordable Care Act and incredible community support we can finally begin to expand in Kaʻu. Better access to health care is coming.”

Once completed, the KaÊ»u Family Health and Dental Center will be equipped to care for 3,400 additional patients and open up 8,500 new appointments. Provider and appointment shortages have been a long-standing issue for all residents of HawaiÊ»i, especially for those without health insurance. In addition to expanding access to affordable medical care, the new clinic will provide dental and family counseling services and fully incorporate Bay Clinic’s evolving care model known as the “Patient Centered Medical Home.”

Hawaiʻi County Council Member Brittany Smart is scheduled to deliver remarks along with John Buckstead, Governor Neil Abercrombie’s Hawaiʻi Island representative, and Ross Wilson on behalf of Senator Daniel Akaka. A traditional Hawaiʻian blessing will be performed by Kahu Kauila Clark with musical performances by slack-key guitarist Keoki Kahumoku on Saturday, November 5th at 10:00 a.m.

The public is invited to attend at the site of Bay Clinic’s current Kaʻu Family Health Center: 95-5583 Mamalahoa Highway in Naʻalehu. For questions or to RSVP contact Sarah Ferreira at (808) 895-5872 or paradisepublicrelations@gmail.com