New Clinic Opens with Telemedicine

Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii News Release

Hepatitis is a silent epidemic in Hawaii – the state has the highest rate of live cancer in the U.S. caused by hepatitis B and C. To help end this epidemic, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has awarded The Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii funds to bring telemedicine and treatment for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS to the island of Molokai.

Mary Hoffman, family nurse practitioner, hopes to reach out to Molokai to help identify and establish accessible treatment at her new clinic, Ka Ho`ailona Rural Clinic.

Goals of the Hepatitis Support Network Telemedicine are to educate, identify people infected, vaccinate, treat to prevent illness, and improve the quality of life for the people of Molokai. It is an exciting time on Molokai to work in partnerships to end this health care disparity.

Teleconference accessible hours with the Hepatitis Support Networks’ Medical Director, Dr. Tice, MD, will be available through Mary Hoffman, on Monday afternoons, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings and Friday. Twice monthly educational and support groups for small groups (6-10 individuals) will also be available. Mary can be reached at (808) 553-4368.