A breast and cervical cancer screening project developed by Hui No Ke Ola, Maui's native Hawaiian health care system, has been selected as a nationwide model for training. Maui screening project
draws national attentionStar-Bulletin staff
The Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources Services Administration's office chose Maui's Kokua Program as an ideal community-based program to serve native Hawaiian, Pacific Island and Filipino women.
The national office helps rural communities develop health care services by supporting state initiatives and partnerships in rural health development.
The Kokua Program's screening services will be used to develop culturally appropriate outreach intervention to assist native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Filipino women with breast and cervical cancer across America.
The Maui Hui in 1999 received a three-year federal grant of $590,000 for a project focusing on "Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening for Underserved Women."
Free health screening, including a Pap test and mammogram, is offered to native Hawaiian, Pacific Island and Filipino women, and others who have trouble obtaining health care. Free transportation is provided to participants, and emphasis is placed on education for early detection of breast and cervical cancer.
The Kokua Program's goal is to make health-screening services available to those in greatest need and reduce cancer deaths through early detection.
The program is conducted in cooperation with the Maui Community College Nursing Clinic, Kahului Radiology and Maui Medical Group Inc.
Rae Mei Ling Chang, Hui No Ke Ola Pono executive director, said, "The success of the program is due to staff, and the collaborating efforts from our community gatekeepers and health care partners."
For information or to schedule an appointment, call Lucille Caba, Kokua Program coordinator, on Maui at 244-4647.