OREANDA-NEWS. August 18, 2016. Kaiser Permanente awarded its latest round of community benefit grants to organizations focused on improving health services and addressing community wellness on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. The University of Hawaii Foundation, Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center will receive a combined \\$174,000 to implement long-term health initiatives in schools and workplaces.

  • University of Hawaii Foundation received \\$85,000 for its Hawaii 5210 initiative to promote healthy nutrition and smart beverage choices in 20 Maui public schools. Schools will have the opportunity to earn water bottle filling stations by adopting health and wellness policies, such as eliminating sugary beverages on campus. The program, which achieved success at several Windward schools on Oahu, will benefit at least 15,000 students on Maui. Later phases may include an expansion of the program to school complexes in Hana, Lahainaluna, Molokai and Lanai.
  • Get Fit Kauai and Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center received \\$65,000 to promote public health in Kauai through an integrated strategy involving schools, businesses and the community at large. Get Fit Kauai plans to implement Safe Routes to School at five schools, promoting physical activity through monthly walk-to-school days and wellness policies. The program will also work with up to 20 businesses to adopt a year-round worksite wellness challenge, recognizing employers and employees for making healthy changes to prevent obesity and chronic diseases.
  • Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center received \\$24,000 to improve access to school-based health services at Waianae Intermediate School and Waianae High School. School-based health centers are nationally recognized as a best-practice approach for preventing diseases, reducing costs and promoting health in underserved communities. A range of primary and acute care services will be made available to more than 2,600 adolescent students in Waianae, with 200 expected to access care on a routine basis.

“Like these organizations, we believe in the importance of creating a healthier Hawaii and helping our communities thrive,” said Mary Ann Barnes, RN, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals Hawaii Region. “From providing access to basic health services to promoting physical activity, their efforts to improve the well-being of our keiki play a role in improving health outcomes across the state.”

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has provided total health to the people of Hawaii for more than 50 years, with physicians who are members of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty physician group practice in the state of Hawaii. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. Visit kp.org for additional information. Become a fan of good health with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii: Like our page at Facebook.com/KPHawaii and follow @KPHawaii on Twitter.