The mobile health clinic will begin service in August for the 2025-2026 school year
‘Ohana Health Plan, a leading provider of government-sponsored managed care services in Hawai’i and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), unveiled a brand new mobile health clinic with Hawai’i Island Community Health Center (HICHC), a nonprofit community health center supporting lifelong health and wellness through quality healthcare.
Earlier this year, HICHC was awarded a grant of $550,000 by ‘Ohana Health Plan and the Centene Foundation to support their “Gateway to Health” project to expand access to essential health services, such as well-child exams, immunizations, behavioral health, and chronic care management (i.e., asthma, diabetes, ADHD, etc.) for students in underserved areas.
Various state and Hawaii County leaders gathered for a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony, led by Kahu Kamuela Chun. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the mobile clinic before it begins service to Hawai’i Island’s public schools. The 2025-2026 school year begins on August 4 for students in the Hawai’i State Department of Education (HIDOE) school system.
The Gateway to Health program will roll out in phases. The Honokaʻa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena complex will be the first HIDOE complex area to receive services from the mobile clinic, followed by Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa, and Hilo-Waiākea. It’s anticipated that all designated schools will receive service before the end of the school year in May 2026.
“We are excited to see this partnership come to life in our schools. We’re ready to hit the road and meet students where they are,” said Cecilia Sakata, HICHC director of school-based health. “This clinic is equipped to provide everything from check-ups to mental health support—right outside their classroom doors. The phased rollout ensures that students across our island will benefit from this innovative approach to school-based care.”
“This mobile health clinic will be a lifeline for many students and families who might otherwise struggle to access care,” said Scott Sivik, plan president and chief executive officer of ‘Ohana Health Plan. “It represents a powerful step forward in ensuring that every child on Hawai’i Island has access to the care they need to thrive. We’re proud to support this partnership that brings healthcare directly to our keiki.”
For more information about Hawai’i Island Community Health Center, School-Based Health Centers, and The Gateway to Health project, please visit https://www.hicommunityhealthcenter.org/.
