Free Health Clinics to Move through Ka’u, Puna

In late May and into mid-June, nearly 150 military reservists will travel to Ka’u and Kea’au to provide free medical clinics to the public.

The program, Tropic Care 2016, is run by the United States Department of Defense, with support from the County of Hawai’i and the Ka’u Rural Health District Health Office.

Physical exams, dentistry, optometry (exams and glasses), medication review and provision of some medication, as well as nutrition education will be offered to the public free of charge.

Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, and long wait times should be anticipated.

“This is an opportunity to bring needed medical, dental, and vision services to the districts of Ka‘u and Puna,” said Aaron Ueno, Hawai‘i District Health Officer with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Health. “These services are open to the entire island and we are hoping to do this again in the future with community support.”

Clinics will run on the following schedule:

• Ka’u High & Pahala Elementary school – May 31 through June 4, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a 12 p.m. close on June 4.
• Ocean View Community Center – May 31 through June 4, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a 12 p.m. close on June 4.
• Kea’au High School – June 4 through June 11, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a 12 p.m. close on June 11.

“We thank the Department of Defense and all the reservists for coming to Hawai‘i Island and reaching out to our residents,” said Karen Teshima, Executive Assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi. “This innovative program will benefit everyone involved, and will further our goal of keeping our community safe and healthy.”

For more information on the project or clinic information contact the DOH’s Public Health Nursing Section at 974-6035.