10-day clinic brings no-cost medical care to Hawaiʻi Island this month

Hawaiʻi Island residents can receive no-cost medical, dental, and optometry care at multiple primary sites and outreach locations on Hawaiʻi Island from Friday, June 19, to Sunday, June 28.

Tropic Care, a no-cost Department of Defense-sponsored Innovative Readiness Training program, is returning to bring essential health services to local residents at sites in Keaʻau, Kaʻū, and Kailua-Kona.

Tropic Care has a proven track record of supporting the island, and this year’s mission continues that tradition. These vital health services are available to all community members, with no health insurance, identification, or proof of citizenship required to receive care.

All services are delivered on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies and daily capacities last. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this 10-day clinic to address their health care needs.

“We are excited to welcome back the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training team to Hawaiʻi County,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Our community has faced its share of health challenges, and this event helps our community to turn the tide by providing no-cost medical care for all. The county is appreciative of our uniformed military members and proud of the multiagency collaboration that made this event possible.”

“Tropic Care allows us to bring essential health services directly into communities where access to medical, dental, and vision care can be limited, helping ensure more residents receive the care they need,” said Hawaiʻi District Health Officer John Kolman.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early and come prepared for potentially long wait times by bringing water, snacks, and personal necessities.

Services will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last patient check-in at 4 p.m., from June 19 to 28 at three locations, which include:

• Keaʻau High School at 16-725 Keaʻau-Pāhoa Road, Keaʻau
• Ocean View Community Center at 92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View
• Kekuaokalani Gym at 75-5500 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona

There will also be additional outreach sites open at different times and days in Kaʻū. Locations include:

• OKK Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 19, 24, and 26
• St. Jude’s Episcopal Church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 22, 23, and 25
• Kaʻū High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 20, 21, 27, and 28

Medical and dental care will be provided daily throughout the 10-day clinic. Medical services will include health exams, school/sports physicals, and behavioral health consultations. Dental services will include oral exams, extractions, and fillings.

Optometry services will include eye exams, and single-vision prescription glasses will be provided while supplies last. Prescription glasses will be available for pick-up one to two days after the exam. The dates and services will vary at the following locations:

• Keaʻau High School from June 19 to 23
• Ocean View Community Center from June 23 to 27
• Kekuaokalani Gym from June 24 to 27

For more information, service updates, or to request reasonable accommodations regarding on-site accessibility, please contact the Hawaiʻi District Health Office at 808-974-6006.