Health Center Receives OHA Funding

MCHC News Release

Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) is pleased to announce the approval from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) of an award of $150,000 dollars for Fiscal Year 2011-12, and $150,000 for Fiscal Year 2012-13. The funding will support the renovation and conversion of the former Pau Hana Inn to a modern outpatient medical facility. 

MCHC renovation and relocation directly addresses two goals of the OHA Strategic Plan for 2010-16, primarily as it relates to mauli ola (health), with a significant ancillary benefit toward the goal of kahua waiwai (economic self-sufficiency).  The OHA funding will improve access to basic medical, dental and mental health services by Native Hawaiians on Molokai, and facilitate greater efficiency in the timely delivery of services, both of which will in turn also contribute significantly to the health and welfare of the island’s population as a whole. 

“Last year… OHA trustees… made a commitment then to support our project,” said Executive Director Desiree Puhi. “We are very thankful for their vision and generosity.”

MCHC is slated to move into the new facility in late August, with project completion scheduled for 2013.

MCHC is a community-owned and -governed not-for-profit health care agency dedicated to improve health care on Molokai. Its mission is to “promote and provide accessible comprehensive individual and community health care to the people of Molokai with respect and aloha,” which is accomplished with an array of quality, cost-effective and affordable programs.  MCHC is the island’s first model of fully-integrated health care with a current base of nearly 2,900 active patients – three-fifths of whom are of Native Hawaiian ancestry. MCHC has an open access policy, with same-day and walk-in appointments welcome.

MCHC board and staff would like to send a heart felt mahalo to OHA trustees and honorable chair Colette Machado; the Molokai community for its continued support and vision for the center; and its staff for providing high quality care regardless of a person’s income or insurance status.