Hawaii Dental gives
$5,000 for kids’ physicals
Hawaii Dental Service has donated $5,000 to launch a fund-raising campaign to help the Waikiki Health Center give physical exams, immunizations and health care to more than 1,000 needy children.
Oahu retailers are displaying 300 canisters through the Labor Day weekend to collect donations for the health center's Back to School Campaign.
The Hawaii Medical Service Association, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Aloha Airlines, Bank of Hawaii and other organizations have joined the sponsoring Hawaii Dental Service in helping with the campaign.
The health center will provide physicals, immunizations and general medical care at discounted rates or free for those who qualify at its main clinic on Ohua Avenue in Waikiki and at Haleiwa, Kahaluu and Punaluu outreach sites.
No family is turned away for inability to pay.
"Cost should not be a barrier to ensuring that all children receive protection from illness and are able to start school on time," said Paul Strauss, Waikiki Health Center executive director. He said the center has seen an increase in need for its services overall, including those for children.
Funds raised will help offset the cost of providing medical services required for school enrollment by the state health and education departments, as well as other medical services children may need.
Most insurance plans don't cover physicals required for children entering school or changing schools, the center said, and some immunizations aren't free.
For more information or to donate, call 922-4788 or write to 277 Ohua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815.