HONOLULU, HAWAII – Before enrolling in school, children must be
up-to-date on their immunizations and physical exams. But, what if a
child’s family is uninsured, homeless, or for other reasons can’t afford the
necessary medical care?
Waikiki Health Center’s Back to School Campaign – now underway island-wide –
helps answer that question. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser go to
provide school-required immunizations, physical exams, sports physicals and
general medical care to needy and homeless children, to help them start the
school year on time, stay healthy, and avoid preventable illnesses. For the
second year, the Campaign is being co-sponsored by Longs Drugs and UHA,
Hawaii’s third-largest commercial health insurer.
Children’s medical care is provided year round at all Waikiki Health Center
clinics and satellites; additionally, this summer a special “Keiki Health
Fair” will be held Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Center’s
Haleiwa site – located at Queen Lili`uokalani Church – to increase access to
medical care to children from low-income and homeless families living in the
area.
Creating an atmosphere of family fun, the “Keiki Health Fair” will feature
live music with Waikiki Health Center’s own Michael Keale, face painting,
sports and activities with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, healthy snacks,
and more. Cost of a comprehensive school or sports physical exam, including
immunizations, is $45, or by sliding fee to uninsured families. Documents
indicating family income and personal identification will assist in sliding
fee processing; however, no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
The event is being presented in collaboration with the University of Hawaii
Nurse Practitioner Program. For more information, phone 295-0253.
The Back to School Campaign’s charity canisters, featuring the logos of
co-sponsors Longs Drugs and UHA, will be on display near the cash registers
of all Longs Drugs store locations and other participating retailers across
Oahu through Labor Day, awaiting contributions from generous shoppers to
support children’s medical care, including activities such as the “Keiki
Health Fair.”
Contributions may be sent to: Waikiki Health Center, Development Department,
758 Kapahulu Avenue, Suite A-319, Honolulu, HI 96816.
”’Adrianna O’Donnell can be reached via email at mailto:adrianna@waikikihc.org”’