Program:
Primary Care
- Budget:
-
$5,153,777
- Category:
-
Health Care
- Population Served:
-
General Public/Unspecified
-
Homeless
-
Poor/Economically Disadvantaged, Indigent, General
Program Description:
Primary care is our core service. Our Ohua Avenue Clinic in Waikiki and North Shore Ho`ola Like satellite provide Western medical care integrated with traditional Hawaiian healing, offering a culturally sensitive point of entry for Native Hawaiians and others who are not comfortable with Western medicine. Clinic services include general and preventive care, treatment for chronic and acute conditions, behavioral health counseling, medical nutrition therapy, pediatric care, family planning, physical exams and immunizations, breast health services, screening and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, tobacco cessation services, and chronic disease management. Traditional Hawaiian healing services include Lomilomi, Ho'oponopono and La'au Lapa'au. Eligibility specialists assist patients in enrolling in health insurance plans. No one is turned away for inability to pay. In 2009, the agency provided 21,394 primary care visits to 5,926 patients, of whom 79% were living at or below poverty level. Half (50.10%) of WHC patients represented minority populations, including Asian, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islanders, African American, and American Indian. Our Waikiki clinic is located at 277 Ohua Avenue. Phone (808) 922-4787. Our North Shore Ho`ola Like (“Healers Together”) Clinic (open Tuesdays and Thursdays) is located in Hale`iwa. Phone (808) 284-5212.
Program Long-Term Success:
Improve the health and quality of life of people of all ages across Oahu, particularly those in greatest need.
Program Short-Term Success:
Motivate and empower patients to improve their health through tobacco cessation, diabetes support groups and other activities targeting patients with specific needs.
Program Success Monitored by:
Waikiki Health Center upgraded to a comprehensive electronic health record system, which encompasses both a clinical Practice Management System and Electronic Medical Records, allowing us to provide enhanced patient services, meet complex reporting requirements of funders, and enhance the level of health care we provide to the community. We now have instant access to all health center records at all WHC sites – including our mobile medical clinic and medically-equipped vans. We have established clinical outcomes that are aligned with HEDIS and best practices. We closely monitor these clinical outcomes, healthcare utilization, and patient satisfaction
Program Success Examples:
In 2009, Waikiki Health Center provided 21,394 primary care visits to 5,926 patients, of whom 79% were living at or below poverty level. Our primary care visits were up more than 3,000 (16.59%) over the previous year. We met the increased demand for our services in two ways: Our new Electronic Medical Records (EMR) streamlined our entire patient visit process, enabling us to schedule more patients; and, we converted offices into additional exam rooms, created offices/patient service areas at the ends of hallways and every other available space, enabling us to accommodate more visits. Our target populations include Oahu’s most vulnerable residents, including people who are uninsured, have low incomes, or are homeless. Last year, the agency provided 6,831 visits to 1,576 patients who were homeless, representing 31.93% of WHC’s total patient visits.
Program:
Care-A-Van
- Budget:
-
$1,572,070
- Category:
-
Health Care
- Population Served:
-
Homeless
-
Poor/Economically Disadvantaged, Indigent, General
-
General Public/Unspecified
Program Description:
Waikiki Health Center is Hawaii’s sole recipient of federal Healthcare for the Homeless 330(h) funding, subcontracting with three other Hawaii community health centers to provide services to the homeless throughout the islands. The agency’s Care-A-Van program provides drop-in and outreach medical and social services to persons experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness. The Care-A-Van Drop-in Center offers clients mail and message services; food, hygiene supplies and clothing; assistance obtaining identification, referrals and applications for medical insurance, food stamps and housing; medical care at the on-site clinic; and behavioral health and substance abuse counseling. Care-A-Van also uses a mobile medical clinic and medically-equipped vans to provide Mobile Medical Services to those who are homeless wherever they are situated across Oahu. Our Outreach Teams, consisting of a Nurse Practitioner and outreach workers, provide medical care, counseling, housing assistance, emergency food, hygiene supplies and clothing; and assistance in applying for medical insurance, food stamps, and other benefits. In 2009, Care-A-Van provided 3,722 medical and behavioral health visits to 910 homeless men, women, and children; and 28,229 enabling encounters. Phone (808) 922-4790 for further information.
Program Long-Term Success:
The program goal is to help empower families and individuals to transition out of homelessness
Program Short-Term Success:
Transitioning out of homelessness is a slow and difficult process; in the short term, we work to improve our clients' quality of life, maintain or improve their health, and secure health insurance and other benefits for which they qualify.
Program Success Monitored by:
Increases in the number of primary care patients and social service clients served at our drop-in center and seen by our mobile outreach teams, year-over-year, is an indication of the level of service we provide to the community. Providers' notes on our clients' progress concerning health, behavioral health and other issues is another measure of success. We also utilize client satisfaction surveys to indicate the success of our many continuous quality improvement activities.
Program Success Examples:
Providing services to persons who are homeless, including those who are dealing with substance abuse and/or mental health issues, requires great compassion and patience. One of our most experienced nurse practitioners had a client who complained of a foot wound; however it took two hours for our nurse to convince the confused and distrustful man that he would need to remove his shoes to receive treatment. Another man always appeared to be angry and argumentative. In actuality, he was in great pain due to a hernia, but he was unable to express his need for medical care. He was loud and disruptive in doctors' offices, and was constantly asked to leave without receiving treatment. One of our nurses was able to gain his trust, learn what the problem was, and helped him remain calm so that he could receive needed treatment. Chronic health conditions plague many people who are homeless; when we help improve their health, they can then focus on taking the next steps toward seeking permanent housing and meeting their other needs.
Program:
Youth Outreach Project (YO)
- Budget:
-
$203,625
- Category:
-
Health Care
- Population Served:
-
Homeless
-
Youth/Adolescents only (14 - 19 years)
-
Poor/Economically Disadvantaged, Indigent, General
Program Description:
YO has a proven, 21-year track record for understanding the lifestyles, dynamics, attitudes and behaviors of homeless youths. Our street outreach workers initiate encounters with runaways and other vulnerable young people, and provide information about YO services. At the YO Drop-in Center, homeless youths are offered hot meals, counseling, job and shelter assistance, group sessions on conflict resolution and responsible sexuality, a GED Preparatory Program to help them further their education, referrals to substance abuse programs and other services. The YO Teen Clinic provides medical care to our clients age 14 and above. Services include family planning, reproductive health care, immunizations and STD/HIV testing and screening. YO is the only resource that Waikiki’s at-risk teens can turn to for these services. In 2009, YO provided 594 homeless youths with medical, social services, and/or hot meals; 356 were male, 229 female, and 9 transgender. The YO Teen Clinic provided 505 medical or behavioral health visits to 145 patients. YO is operated by Waikiki Health Center in collaboration with Hale Kipa, which provides many social service aspects of the program. The Drop-in Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. For further information, phone (808) 942-5858.
Program Long-Term Success:
The long-term objective is to help homeless youths gain the skills, self-confidence, and motivation to change their lives for the better, resulting in their return to school, jobs, permanent housing and a more secure future.
Program Short-Term Success:
Many runaways and other homeless youths have given up on themselves, have lost hope, and don't expect to have much to look forward to. Waikiki Health Center's staff work to gain the trust of these young people, most of whom have been involved in violence or abused by family members or other homeless persons. In the short-term, we help meet their immediate needs, without encouraging their dependency. We provide hot meals, GED classes to help them further their education, counseling, and nonjudgmental support. We are able to improve the quality of their life, and help them plan a better future.
Program Success Monitored by:
We utilize Client Satisfaction Surveys to measure the effectiveness of the YO Program. We also track the number of medical and behavioral health visits and social service encounters provided to homeless teenagers who have gone through our intake process.
Program Success Examples:
One former YO client compared his days as a homeless teenager to his successful life today – a remarkable change brought about with the assistance of caring YO staff: “The reason I was homeless, ‘Dan’ says, was because I was a teen alcoholic/addict. I was consumed by a need to drink and drug that superseded all rational thought ... Had I not had YO’s positive social reinforcement, I may not be sober today ... I would be one of two places – prison or in a grave. I visited YO because of the basic services they offered. I was hungry. I was tired of stealing to eat ... with YO having much of what I needed, this allowed me to remain out of trouble. From living on the street I had a variety of ailments – infections, bronchial issues, etc. YO provided me with medical treatment at their clinic ... I have been clean and sober for 13 years – 4,958 days of taking things one day at a time. And the first step started at Youth Outreach ... today you couldn’t tell me from a normal person. From blackened bare feet to Italian shoes ... from homelessness to homeowner ... from a liability to an asset ... YO provided the foundation for my successful life.”
Program:
HIV Early Intervention Services
- Budget:
-
$413,407
- Category:
-
Health Care
- Population Served:
-
People With Aids (pwas)
-
Gays/Lesbians
-
Poor/Economically Disadvantaged, Indigent, General
Program Description:
Our patient-centered, comprehensive HIV program provides a continuum of services to those who are living with or affected by HIV. Waikiki Health Center’s Medical Director, Dr. Elliot J. Kalauawa, is one of only seven providers in Hawaii who has earned the designation of Credentialed HIV Specialist™ from the American Academy of HIV Medicine; two additional WHC providers are in the process of becoming HIV specialists. HIV Services include: anonymous and confidential HIV counseling and testing; HIV-related health and primary medical care; mental health counseling, substance misuse counseling, nutritional assessments and counseling, prophylactic dental services (through referrals to low-cost dental programs), adherence and medical management, and an STD/HIV Information Hotline. Wellness activities include interdisciplinary lifestyle counseling, nutritional counseling and traditional Hawaiian healing. Our Outreach Team offers education, prevention and support services to patients at substance abuse treatment centers throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Waikiki Health Center places special emphasis on reaching out to ethnic minorities, women, transgender, and gay and bi-sexual adults. In 2009, we served 260 clients living with HIV/AIDS, of whom 188 (72%) were living at or below poverty level. We provided 2,074 medical encounters, 189 behavioral health encounters, and 272 anonymous HIV counseling/ testing encounters, among other services. For more information, phone (808) 926-0742.
Program Long-Term Success:
Our HIV Early Intervention Services focus on the early detection and treatment of HIV, which can help prevent the onset of AIDS and other infections.
Program Short-Term Success:
HIV Early Intervention Services, including primary care, medical nutrition therapy, and behavioral health counseling help improve the quality of life of people living with HIV. Specific health indicators we track are areas that are vital to quality care, such as clinical visits every four months; we also track syphilis screening, PCP prophylaxis, pneumococcal vaccines, proof of Hepatitis B immunization, TB screening and tobacco cessation services. In most cases, we have come close to or exceeded national averages. We achieved 100% in the area of seeing HIV patients every four months (compared to the national average of 82.4% in 2007); our ultimate goal for all health indicators is 100%.
Program Success Monitored by:
Our Practice Management System, including Electronic Medical Records, can extract detailed information to track our patients' improved health measures. Other services that monitor our patients' health include: Medical Reconciliation visits with our Registered Dietitian, to ensure that medications, supplements and over-the-counter products are appropriate to avert negative interractions; and support groups that encourage peer support, improved diets, and improved treatment adherence.
Program Success Examples:
In 2009, the program provided 2,074 medical encounters, 189 behavioral health encounters, and 272 anonymous HIV counseling/testing encounters, among other services. Last year, Waikiki Health Center, with grant support from the MAC AIDS Fund, developed a "Hula, Hope and Healing" peer support group to promote treatment adherence. As a result of the group activities, quite a few members developed greater self-esteem and returned to college or jobs. The agency's Board president, an AIDS patient, has said that he is alive today because of the medical nutrition therapy he received from Waikiki Health Center's Registered Dietitian and other services over the years.
Program:
Friendly Neighbors
- Budget:
-
$34,181
- Category:
-
Human Services
- Population Served:
-
Aging/Elderly/Senior Citizens
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Male Aging/Elderly/Senior Citizens
-
Female Aging/Elderly/Senior Citizens
Program Description:
Friendly Neighbors brings Waikiki’s seniors together with caring community volunteers. The program helps seniors, age 60+, to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence. Volunteer services, which match each client’s needs, include friendly visits, escorting clients to the doctor, preparing meals or doing light housework, picking up prescriptions, reading letters to visually impaired clients, providing phone call reassurance, and providing respite for regular caregivers. Friendly Neighbors offers volunteers a way to help the community, make a difference in someone’s life, and meet people with shared interests. Students in nursing, social work and other fields gain practical experience in geriatric care by monitoring blood pressure and other vital signs, providing home safety tips, and other volunteer support. In 2009, 86 Friendly Neighbors volunteers provided 7,041 hours of service assisting 138 seniors living in Waikiki. Of our 138 clients, 102 were female, and 36 male; and 70 were living in poverty. Our clients’ ages ranged from 61 to 99. Volunteers included 49 students (31 from Hawaii Pacific University, 17 from Kapiolani Community College, and 1 from the University of Hawaii); and 37 from the general community. Phone (808) 926-8032 for further information.
Program Long-Term Success:
We are helping to improve the quality of life of seniors "aging in place" in Waikiki, allowing them to remain living independently for as long as possible.
Program Short-Term Success:
Program volunteers, including students in nursing, social work and other fields, and community volunteers of all ages, provide companionship and other support to Waikiki's seniors. Monitoring of our clients' blood pressure and other vital signs, transportation to the doctor, reassurance phone calls, and other support, help seniors stay healthy, make new friends, and lessen the social isolation many seniors experience.
Program Success Monitored by:
Our Senior Services Coordinator tracks volunteers' hours of service, and records our clients' special interests and needs when bringing together our clients with caring community volunteers. Volunteers take note of any changes in the lives of their clients and provide this information to the Senior Services Coordinator.
Program Success Examples:
One Friendly Neighbors volunteer helps several clients. She took one to get her hair cut. She took another woman out to a hotel to hear music and have dinner; "I'm her eyes," the volunteer said of her Friendly Neighbors client who has poor vision and walks with a cane. Other volunteers help seniors clean and organize their apartments, help with shopping, cooking and other chores.