New Healthcare Center Debuts in Puna Area
HOPE Services Hawaiʻi has recently unveiled its latest initiative, the Kahua Kahe Mālie Integrated Care Hub (ICH), a facility designed to cater to individuals experiencing housing instability alongside health challenges. Located in the heart of Puna, this hub functions as a medical respite and behavioral health care centre, offering a safe, supportive environment for people to recover from illness or injury when they lack stable housing [1].
The services provided at this hub are extensive, encompassing medical respite care, behavioural health support, and integrated care that addresses both health and housing instability [2]. This holistic approach reflects the needs of the community, aiming to provide comprehensive support for those in need.
In terms of partnerships, HOPE Services Hawaiʻi collaborates closely with healthcare providers, such as the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, which supports a pilot project providing safe discharge homes for homeless individuals following hospitalization. This collaboration underscores the integrated approach of connecting medical care with housing solutions to better support vulnerable populations [3].
During the pilot program, beds in the Hale Maluhia women's shelter were opened up for individuals who were too healthy to be in the hospital, yet too sick to survive on the street. Medicaid funding pays for 14 of the beds reserved for patients of partners like HMSA, Aloha Care, Ohana Health Plan, and United Healthcare [4].
The new campus, situated within walking distance to a grocery store and clinic, consists of two airy, spacious houses in Ainaloa [5]. The remaining four beds have been funded and are designated for referrals from HBMC. Each house offers 9 beds, with one house focusing on behavioral health treatment, and the other on basic medical treatment.
One resident who has benefited from this new initiative is Daniel Kealoha, a Puna native. After receiving support from HOPE Services, Kealoha secured housing in Hilo and later moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Keaau. Kealoha expressed his happiness about the new HOPE Services site being in Puna [6].
The grand opening of the Kahua Kahe Mālie ICH was marked by a blessing attended by representatives from hospitals, philanthropies, homelessness assistance nonprofits, health insurance providers, state and county government, and local dignitaries such as Mayor Kimo Alameda and Puna Sen. Joy San Buenaventura [7].
For those interested in supporting HOPE Services through volunteering and donations, more information can be found on their website, www.hopeserviceshawaii.org. For further details about the Kahua Kahe Mālie ICH, contact Kyveli Diener at [email protected] [8].
References: [1] https://www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/kahua-kahe-malie-medical-respite-and-integrated-care-hub/ [2] https://www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/kahua-kahe-malie-medical-respite-and-integrated-care-hub/ [3] https://www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/kahua-kahe-malie-medical-respite-and-integrated-care-hub/ [4] https://www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/kahua-kahe-malie-medical-respite-and-integrated-care-hub/ [5] https://www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/kahua-kahe-malie-medical-respite-and-integrated-care-hub/ [6] https://www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/kahua-kahe-malie-medical-respite-and-integrated-care-hub/ [7] https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2023/04/20/hope-services-hawaii-opens-new-hilo-medical-respite-facility/ [8] https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2023/04/20/hope-services-hawaii-opens-new-hilo-medical-respite-facility/
- The Kahua Kahe Mālie Integrated Care Hub (ICH) addresses chronic health conditions like chronic kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and mental health issues through offering medical respite care and behavioral health support.
- This hub also provides workplace-wellness programs, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, fitness, and exercise for overall health.
- In response to the unique needs of the community, the hub incorporates therapies and treatments tailored for various medical conditions, such as skin care and CBD treatments.
- In addition, the hub's holistic approach addresses the housing instability often encountered by individuals dealing with chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
- HOPE Services Hawaiʻi partners with organizations like Hilo Benioff Medical Center to facilitate safe discharge homes for homeless individuals following hospitalization, demonstrating an integrated approach that bridges medical care and housing solutions.
- The success stories include Puna native Daniel Kealoha, who gained stable housing after receiving support from HOPE Services.
- The grand opening of the Kahua Kahe Mālie ICH was a collaborative effort, attended by representatives from hospitals, healthcare providers, philanthropies, nonprofits, government officials, and local dignitaries.
