KAISER PERMANENTE HAWAII SUPPORTS COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVES WITH MORE THAN $160,000 IN GRANTS

Honolulu, Hawaii – October 24, 2011 – Kaiser Permanente Hawaii today announced more than $160,000 in grant funding to four local community organizations/programs: Department of Health/HEP Free Hawaii, Hawaii Education Matters, KUPU, and Kokua Hawaii Foundation. Grants address health disparities, active living and healthy eating initiatives, and healthier environments.

• Department of Health/HEP Free Hawaii – A $40,350 grant was made to help raise awareness about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis and liver disease in Hawaii through culturally appropriate tools.
• Hawaii Education Matters – A $50,000 grant will support a pilot initiative to increase physical activity among teens through the use of Zamzee, a technology that monitors, quantifies, and rewards physical activity in a motivating and engaging way.
• KUPU – A $50,000 grant will implement a “Weatherization + Health” pilot initiative to create healthier home environments.
• Kokua Hawaii Foundation – A $20,300 grant will support a school garden project with food safety certification to create greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables in schools.