Hawaii Island Community Health Center

05/29/2026

We are pleased to announce Lauren Whittemore as Director of the Hawai'i Island Community Health Foundation.

Lauren has shown exceptional leadership in the development of our Street Medicine Program and Outreach services, building connections and access to a full spectrum of services to our most vulnerable populations - by meeting them where they are across the island.

In her new role, she will bring her unique experience as a clinical practitioner, community leader and committed healthcare advocate to enrich the Hawai'i Island Community Health Foundation on this new venture.

The foundation will help to advance healthcare access, strengthen community partnerships, and create new philanthropic opportunities to create meaningful change for Hawai'i Island's healthcare.

To learn more about the foundation, visit https://hichc.org/foundation/

05/27/2026

WE DID IT! Our SBHC team successfully reached their goal of providing Mental Health literacy resources and education to 2,000 students across Hawai'i Island!

Teaching our youth about mental health is so important because it gives them the tools to understand, prevent, navigate and overcome mental health challenges. Knowing these skills not only helps them, but also improves their ability to help their friends and families too. When we know how to identify our emotions and how to access mental health resources/providers, we're better equipped to take on any crises that may arise.

By having our SBHC services, we're able to present healthcare education such as mental health literacy and other health-related topics, right in our schools. If you're an educator or youth group interested in having this Mental Health literacy curriculum shared with your students; you can reach our team at hichcsbhc@hichc.org

05/24/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we're highlighting accessing keiki behavioral health services right at school!

Our School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are a safe, non-judgmental and easily accessible and comfortable space for your keiki to reach a mental health provider when they need it most. SBHCs bring care directly to your child's school making it easier for students to access behavioral health services and support. We connect students to experienced and pediatric focused providers who give them space to share, develop healthy habits and coping skills, and feel supported during difficult situations. Even at a young age, Mental Health matters!

05/22/2026

Today, we celebrate an exciting new chapter: the launch of the Hawai'i Island Community Health Foundation!⁠
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The Foundation was created to expand philanthropic support for Hawai'i Island Community Health Center (HICHC) and provide a dedicated way for our community to invest in the long-term health and well-being of our island, neighbors, and communities.⁠
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Last year alone, more than 39,000 patients relied on HICHC for care across over 150,000 visits. The foundation will ensure that individuals and families can continue to access medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services when and where they need them most.⁠
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The foundation will help remove barriers to healthcare, support vital programs, and create new opportunities for healthier lives across Hawai'i island. When we invest in healthcare, we invest in a healthier future for our whole community!⁠
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To learn more about the the Hawai'i Island Community Health Foundation visit: https://hichc.org/foundation/

05/18/2026

What an incredible feeling to be a part of the 5th Annual Fentanyl & Addictions Summit, hosted by Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC). We were honored to share the stage with our community to discuss the impact that The Hawai'i Island Fentanyl Taskforce (HIFTF) has had on preventing the rise of fentanyl, overdose and addiction on our island.

The HIFTF is comprised of community health organizations (like HICHC), first responders, county officials, and community volunteers - that all work together to protect our communities from the rising fentanyl crisis across the nation.

This summit is an opportunity for us to all come together and discuss our efforts and successes in preventing overdose, treating addiction, providing community education, and planning for the future of Hawai’i Island.

Be apart of the movement!
To learn more about the HIFTF, visit our website:
www.hiftf.org

05/16/2026

We have an exciting new Ni****ne Cessation Support Group to help you on your quit journey. If quitting ci******es, va**ng, or ni****ne pouches, has been on your mind this year, this is a great opportunity to give quitting (or cutting down at least) a real shot!

Join our weekly virtual group, led by one of our Ni****ne Cessation Specialists, to get support, education and resources to assist in your journey to become ni****ne free. These sessions are completely FREE, and meet every Tuesday from 1:30-2:30pm, weekly. This group offers a safe, non-judgmental space to share experiences, find solutions, and make the changes you're ready for.

Spaces are limited, so please register to join these sessions -
LINK IN BIO to find our registration form!

05/15/2026

Check out these great family and community building workshops being hosted throughout the summer from our partners at Family Hui Hawaii!

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Check out this amazing youth opportunity from our community partners!

-- REPOST-- Follow for more info!

The KŪPA’A Project is so excited to invite you to our upcoming summer camp sessions!
East side: June 15-19th
West side: July 13-17th

This camp is for our young people - middle schoolers, high schoolers and those 18-25 years old. Our program is our māhū/mvpfaff/lgbtq+/questioning youth & our allies. Creating affirming spaces rooted in cultural practices and values of Hawai’i Nei.

Space is limited so please fill out interest form: bit.ly/4dUWQue (same as QR code & also linked in bio) to express interest in camp and email us with any questions, kupaa@kumukahihealth.org.