Rural community health in Hawaii

Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic is a vital institution in the East Hawaii Region, dedicated to improving the health of our community through exceptional and compassionate care. Located at 1 Kamani Street, Pahala, Hawaii, United States, our 4-bed emergency department provides 24/7 medical care to approximately 2,600 patients annually. From baby and child care to chronic disease management, we offer a full range of services for patients of all ages. Our state-of-the-art imaging equipment ensures accurate diagnostics, with X-ray images digitally sent to Hilo Medical Center for expert review. Established in 1971, Kaʻū Hospital is the only inpatient medical facility in the district of Kaʻū, serving as one of the largest employers in the area. Certified as a critical access hospital in 2001, we also added a rural health clinic in 2003 to expand our healthcare offerings to the community. With a dedicated staff committed to patient well-being, we strive to provide the best possible care and services. Language assistance services are available free of charge for non-English speakers, ensuring that all patients receive the care they need. Explore our website to learn more about how Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic is dedicated to serving our community with excellence.

Kīpuka o ke Ola (KOKO) Native Hawaiian Rural Health Clinic is a healthcare facility located in Waimea, Hawaii, United States. The clinic specializes in providing health services to the Native Hawaiian community in the rural area. KOKO is dedicated to improving the overall well-being and quality of life for its patients through culturally sensitive care and holistic health practices. The clinic offers a range of medical services, including primary care, preventive care, and wellness programs. With a focus on traditional Hawaiian healing practices and modern medicine, KOKO is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to all who walk through its doors.

East Hawaii Health Clinics at Ka'u, located at 1 Kamani Street in Pahala, Hawaii, is a vital healthcare institution serving the district of Ka'u. Originally built in 1971 to replace the sugar plantation hospitals, Ka'u Hospital is the only inpatient medical facility in the area and one of the largest employers. Certified as a critical access hospital in 2001, it offers essential emergency and acute care services. In 2003, a rural health clinic was added to provide a wider range of healthcare options to the community. The hospital offers 24/7 emergency services, inpatient medical and rehabilitation care, long-term care, adult day health services, x-ray and lab services, and a family practice rural health clinic. The dedicated staff at East Hawaii Health Clinics at Ka'u are committed to providing the best possible care to their patients and continuously strive to enhance and expand their services.

The Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association Inc. is a non-profit organization located at 96 Puahala Street in Pahala, Hawaii. Established in 1998 as a result of a community coalition, the association aims to preserve access to quality healthcare in rural communities. They successfully kept Kaʻū hospital's emergency room services open and focus on community empowerment, collaborative partnerships, and promoting a healthy community through Health, Education, Research Opportunities, and Economic Sustainability (HEROES). The association serves the southernmost district of Hawaii County, including areas such as South Point, Ocean View, Nīnole, Waiʻōhinu, Naʻālehu, and Pāhala. Join them at the 2024 Nā’ālehu Health & Wellness Fair on February 24th, 2024.

The Mobile Dental Van is a health institution located at 45-549 Plumeria Street in Honokaa, Hawaii, United States. This innovative facility brings dental care directly to the community, offering convenient and accessible services to those in need. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced dental professionals on board, the Mobile Dental Van provides a wide range of dental services including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more. Patients can rest assured knowing they are receiving quality care in a comfortable and convenient setting. Whether you're due for a routine check-up or in need of emergency dental treatment, the Mobile Dental Van is here to serve the dental needs of the community.

Lokahi Treatment Centers, located at 54-3886 Akoni Pule Highway in Kapaau, Hawaii, is a health institution that offers comprehensive dual diagnosis substance abuse/mental health treatment and prevention services. The institution has five office locations throughout Hawai'i Island, serving clients in medically under-served rural communities. The institution's goal is to provide a continuum of care that meets clients where they are and guides them through making new choices. Lokahi Treatment Centers is accredited by the Commission Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and was the first organization on the Big Island to provide integrated outpatient mental health and alcohol and drug services for adults, adolescents, children, and those involved in the criminal justice system.

Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is located at 4442 Hardy Street, Lihue, Hawaii, United States. The institution was established in 1997 to serve the medically underserved population of Kauai and three community health centers on Oahu. The institution is led by Fran Becker, the Executive Director, who has a background in community services and has been involved in AHEC for 1 year. Na Lei Wili AHEC offers a successful health careers program called "Grow Our Own Healers," which focuses on long-term health career exploration, mentoring, community health education, and community service. The institution also supports the Health Occupation for Teens (HOT) program for students at Waimea High School and provides training for medical students at rural and underserved sites. Na Lei Wili AHEC's primary focus is on health careers recruitment and training. The institution hosted the 2013 Teen Health camp and the 2008 Summer Health Adventure for teens, which aimed to develop the youth's potential through outdoor adventures and team building activities. With a mission to support and empower the community, Na Lei Wili AHEC is dedicated to improving the healthcare workforce and providing opportunities for personal growth and career development.