Free medical clinic opens at Keaau High School

HILO >> Fish and Miranda Coleman of Hawaiian Paradise Park waited patiently at the Tropic Care health clinic at Keaau High School on Monday afternoon.

The couple owns a small farm at Hawaiian Paradise Park, where they grow lilikoi and vegetables. Miranda slipped and fell while running when she noticed the generator had caught on fire. She said she broke three ribs and a thumb, and lost a tooth. She was waiting to see a doctor to look at her injuries. He was waiting to see a dentist for a few teeth that were in pain.

“It’s such a blessing,” she said. “There are so many of us down here who don’t have adequate health insurance or health care.”

They were grateful for the free health clinic, which the state Health Department and Hawaii County are offering to residents of all ages, in partnership with the U.S. Army Reserves Innovative Readiness Training Program.

Over nine days the Tropic Care health clinics will be offered by the Oahu-based 1984th U.S. Army Hospital, offering medical health screening, school sports physical exams, dental services, eye exams, hearing screenings, nutritional consultation, veteran services and prescription eyeglasses.

The Colemans were eventually told they would have to return to get dental services because the clinic was at full capacity Monday afternoon.

State health officials had said they expected high turnouts and long waits, and had recommended that those who come bring water and snacks in addition to their current medications and eyeglasses, if applicable.

Still, the Colemans were grateful.

“They’re doing the best that they can,” said Fish Coleman, who added that it was free, after all.

The couple also will seek help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Keaau High School gym, for their farm, because they lost their lilikoi crop to acid rain. Still, they were grateful to have their home and subdivision intact.

Some 40 community resource agencies are also on-site offering information on insurance, Native Hawaiian care, mental health, substance treatment services, services for children with special needs, foster family services, nutritional programs, senior services and acupuncture/massage therapy.

“We are proud to be a part of the team, including hundreds of volunteers, coordinating this vital event bringing access to care to thousands in the community who need it most,” said state Health Director Bruce Anderson in a news release. “Especially in the wake of the ongoing volcanic eruptions, the people of Hawaii island need efficient access to health and wellness services now more than ever. We anticipate attendance will be very high throughout the course of the event, so we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as service providers work to help as many people as possible.”

A free clinic offering legal advice, sponsored by the Hawaii State and Hawaii County bar associations and Community First also will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center remains open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.