MEDIA RELEASE

Kona Community Hospital (KCH) has donated its mobile medical van to the Puna Community Medical Center (PCMC).

The mobile medical van was launched in 2012, with Kona Community Hospital contributing medical expertise and staff to coordinate services. Funding has been provided by HMSA. Since its launch, the van has provided services to the Pahala and Ocean View communities.

The contract to operate the medical van was scheduled to end on December 31, 2014, and was not set to be renewed. In light of the rapidly changing situation in Puna caused by the lava flow, Kona Community Hospital officials offered to donate the medical van to the Puna Community Medical Center.

Pat Kalua, KCH Chief Nurse Executive said, “As the lava flow has begun to move closer to Pahoa, we decided to accelerate the donation timeframe to take place this week. We’re very pleased that the van is going to the late Representative Herkes’ district.”

KCH transferred of ownership to PCMC last week.

Nurse Practioner Jackie Murray has provided clinical services on the medical van for two years. On Tuesday, she and Allen DeAguiar from the KCH emergency department drove the van to the Civil Defense Center in Puna as the lava continued to move toward Pahoa.

“I watched Rep. Bob Herkes’ efforts to secure this van, and I understand how he envisioned it being used. I can say with assurance that it will be used in a fashion by PCMC that is entirely consistent with the original intent,” said Dan Domizio, PCMC Clinical Programs Director. He added, “What a great gift!”