Kaiser Permanente’s Mobile Health Vehicle Returns to Oahu
Published: August 2024
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii’s mobile health vehicle is back on Oahu after serving the West Maui community following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. The mobile health vehicle is part of Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing commitment to provide access to high-quality health care services in the communities we serve.
“Taking health care on the road, especially in underserved areas, will allow us to reach more people and help reduce health disparities across the island,” said Ed Chan, MHA, RD, Hawai‘i market president, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals. “Our hope is that people who may not have been able to see their doctor before due to lack of transportation or other barriers will now have a convenient way to get the care they need.”
Providing Health Care Access to the Community
Since its return to Oahu, the mobile health vehicle has served Kaiser Permanente members and the community at various locations across the island. Recent visits include the Waialua Community Association in Haleiwa, the KEY Project in Kaneohe, Dillingham Plaza in Kalihi-Palama, ‘Ohana Kako‘o in Waianae, the Filipino Fiesta at the Filipino Community Center (FilCom) in Waipahu, and the Samoan Heritage Initiative Program at Ke‘ehi Lagoon. A second Kaiser Permanente mobile health vehicle from the mainland remains at Kaiser Permanente’s new Lahaina Clinic, which opened in March, serving as an extension to supplement the 5,200-square-foot facility’s clinical space.
Extended Access for Members
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii’s 40-foot-long mobile health vehicle was given the name Keēwemauliola, meaning “sprout of health and wellness.” The vehicle, based at Moanalua Medical Center, is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, two full-size exam rooms, a prep area for testing and medications, and a physician documentation station. Staffed with Kaiser Permanente staff and clinicians, the mobile health vehicle will serve as a primary care extension to members from Monday through Thursday each week. It also will provide other health care services including vaccinations by appointment, and education and counseling to help prevent and manage ongoing conditions.
“Mobile health programs have been shown to increase participation in recommended screenings and improve the management of chronic diseases, especially for those who have a hard time getting to a doctor’s office,” said John Yang, MD, president and medical director, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. “We’re excited that we’re now able to provide high-quality care on wheels with this modern mobile health clinic.”
Kaiser Permanente will continue taking the vehicle to community events where staff will offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, and body mass index (BMI) assessments, to members and non-members.
Kaiser Permanente members can book a mobile health vehicle appointment by calling 1-833-833-3333 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the mobile health vehicle, its schedule, and available services, please visit kpinhawaii.org/mobilehealth.