'Ohana Health Plan, the Centene Foundation, and Hawai'i Island Community Health Center Unveil New Mobile Clinic to Expand School-Based 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/.

About Hawai'i Island Community Health Center
Hawai'i Island Community Health Center's mission is to provide quality, comprehensive, and integrated health care services that are accessible to all, regardless of their ability to pay.

Hawai'i Island Community Health Center is one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in the State of Hawai'i, employing over 400 health care professionals and support staff, serving 40,000 residents over 14 locations island-wide.

About 'Ohana Health Plan
'Ohana Health Plan provides government-sponsored managed care services to families – keiki to kupuna – and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (Wellcare), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare) across the state. 'Ohana Health Plan is a Centene Corporation company, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, please visit www.ohanahealthplan.com.

About the Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the "Foundation"), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation ("Centene"). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene's mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing social determinants of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation's website.

SOURCE Centene Corporation