‘Ohana Helps Thousands Across Hawaii Access Free Health Education And Screening

HONOLULU - Sept. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- ‘Ohana Health Plan, a statewide provider of managed care services for Hawaii’s government-sponsored health care programs, is sponsoring 13 wellness events across the Island of Hawaii in September. These events are part of WE … a hui for health, a program launched in 2011 to improve access to health care for residents across the state. During the events, a traveling consortium of 30 organizations offers free health screening, education and counseling. All services are free, and appointments are not required.

“‘Ohana’s goal is to help the people of Hawaii improve their lives by encouraging them to take an active role in their health,” said Wendy Morriarty, state president of ‘Ohana. “Through WE … a hui for health, we have the opportunity to work with our community partners to provide free health education and screening services across the state, including in areas where health access and resources are limited.”

The screenings that will be offered during the upcoming events include vision, blood pressure, memory, hepatitis risk and kidney health. Counselors will also be present to offer health education about topics such as smoking cessation, depression, women’s health, family caregiving, post-traumatic stress disorder and insurance options.

“Over the past three years, this program has provided free health care to more than 12,000 people across all six major Hawaiian Islands,” said Annie Hiller, co-founder of WE … a hui for health. “With ‘Ohana’s support and participation, we hope to reach thousands more to let them know where they stand with their health, and what they need to do to become and stay healthy.”

WE … a hui for health wellness event dates and Hawaii Island locations for the remainder of the month are:

·         Sept. 19: Hilo County Fair; 5:30 – 9 p.m.

·         Sept. 20: Hilo County Fair; 5:30 – 9 p.m.

·         Sept. 21: Hilo County Fair; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

·         Sept. 22: Parker Ranch Shopping Center; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

·         Sept. 26: Honaka’a Salvation Army; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

·         Sept. 27: Kona Salvation Army; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

·         Sept. 28: Kona Lanihau Center; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

·         Sept. 29: Waikoloa Village Association (tennis courts); 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information about WE … a hui for health, contact Annie Hiller at 808-282-2265 or annie@projectvisionhawaii.com.

As of June 30, 2013, ‘Ohana serves approximately 8,000 Medicare Advantage plan members, 35,000 Medicaid plan members and 1,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members across the state of Hawaii.

About ‘Ohana Health Plan

‘Ohana is a health plan offered by WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona, Inc. WellCare provides managed care services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs, focusing on Medicaid and Medicare. WellCare offers a variety of health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind and disabled, as well as prescription drug plans. The company serves approximately 2.8 million members nationwide as of June 30, 2013. ‘Ohana has been able to take WellCare’s national experience and develop an ‘Ohana care model that addresses local members’ health care and health coordination needs.For more information about ‘Ohana, please visit the company's website at www.ohanahealthplan.com.

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