Community Clinic of Maui is the recipient of a $57,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente that will support access to virtual care and outreach to low-income or homeless communities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. HAWAII HEALTH AND HARM REDUCTION CENTER photo
The Maui News
Community Clinic of Maui is among the recipients of Kaiser Permanente’s $143,000 grant to four safety net organizations that are focused on expanding virtual care to low-income and homeless communities across the state.
Through its support of the Virtual Care Innovation Network, Kaiser Permanente is bringing together community-based organizations, such as federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and others to redesign care so that virtual care models can continue beyond the pandemic.
Community Clinic of Maui, Hawaii Health, and Harm Reduction Center will each receive a $57,000 grant; Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services will receive a $12,000 grant; and West Hawaii Community Health Center will receive a $17,000 grant.
“The Virtual Care Innovation Network funding has helped our health centers in Hawaii expand access to virtual care through homeless outreach programs and also street medicine programs,” said Dr. Robert Hirokawa, also the chief executive officer of the Hawaii Primary Care Association. “The grant has helped health centers bring care to their patient’s doorstep, thus reducing barriers to access and addressing digital equity for vulnerable patients.”
Virtual health care options have become critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the news release, and organizations that serve low-income and uninsured patients have dramatically increased their use of virtual care, or telehealth, to reduce potential exposures.
Shifting to virtual care during COVID-19 required safety net organizations to adopt new technologies, overhaul workflows, and redefine staff roles in an expedited time frame.
The Virtual Care Innovation Network will enable these organizations to learn from peers and experts, test new approaches, accelerate the work they have already started, and develop approaches to sustain virtual care delivery into the future, according the news release.
Overall, Kaiser Permanente has awarded $2.37 million to 59 safety net organizations.
Virtual care has the potential to dramatically enhance access to high-quality care for underserved populations across our state,” said John Yang, MD, president and medical director for the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. “We deeply appreciate the work of these safety net organizations to bridge this need in our communities and help achieve health equity for the people of Hawaii.”
Community Clinic of Maui is the recipient of a $57,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente that will support access to virtual care and outreach to low-income or homeless communities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. HAWAII HEALTH AND HARM REDUCTION CENTER photoToday's breaking news and more in your inbox
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