WAILUKU, Maui, Hawai`i– Mayor Alan Arakawa would like to update Maui County residents with some important information regarding Tropic Care Maui County, the free clinics run by the U.S. military offering medical, dental and vision services to the entire community.
First, all Tropic Care Maui County clinics will be open during the weekend and during the Kamehameha Day holiday. The clinics that are running full-time, from June 4 to June 12 are at Iao Intermediate School, St. Theresa’s Church and Lanai High and Elementary School sites. Molokai’s clinic at Kaunakakai Elementary School will run from June 7 to June 10 and Lahaina’s clinic at the Lahaina Civic Center will run from June 11 to June 12. Although the dates of these clinics are certain, military officials say that if there are few to no patients on the last day, they may close their respective clinics earlier than scheduled. A full schedule of the clinics is available at:www.mauicounty.gov/TropicCare.
Second, military officials apologize but they will not be able to do dental fillings as they had expected. The supplier of the drills and cavity-filling material was unable to get their shipment off to Maui in time for the Tropic Care event. However, dental exams, x-rays and extractions will still be offered at the clinics for those who need them.
Finally, some members of the public are saying that these free clinics are for veterans only. This is not true. Tropic Care Maui County is for anyone in need of medical, dental or vision services. The military doctors, nurses, dentists and other medical professionals have all the same training and licenses as their civilian counterparts and they are not turning anyone away.
“If you see a member of the military in your town, please show some aloha,” Mayor Arakawa said. “This is a wonderful thing they are doing for our community, and I am grateful for all their assistance. Please take advantage of this free service if you can, as Maui County may not be eligible for this military program again for some time.”
Volunteers are needed for the remaining clinic days, and anyone interested may contact Rachel Heckscher at the State Dept. of Health, at 243-8649 or rachel.heckscher@doh.hawaii.gov. Volunteers must be 18 years and older, and willing to take a four-hour shift. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed.
This is not true. Tropic Care Maui County is for anyone in need of medical, dental or vision services
What is Kamehameha Day?
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