‘Incubator’ for health

‘Ekahi Health System plans to open a $2 million, 10,000-square-foot center offering a variety of preventive health care services at Waterfront Plaza.

The ‘Ekahi Healthcare Center, opening in September, will serve as an incubator to test new care delivery and payment models.

"We really view this as an incubator to launch new innovative programs Hawaii has not seen before," said Matthew Sasaki, director of strategic business initiatives at ‘ike, formerly DataHouse Holdings and the parent company of ‘Ekahi Health. "As the landscape of health care evolves, the delivery method also has to evolve with it."

The center will offer a 72-hour, nine-week program focused on reversing the effects of heart disease developed by acclaimed physician Dean Ornish, founder and president of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute, who is credited with helping former President Bill Clinton restore his health.

His program for reversing heart disease promotes heart health, weight loss and wellness by teaching participants to modify their eating habits, manage stress, enhance their fitness regimens and strengthen their personal support system.

The program is licensed through the Dean Ornish Institute.

"This is about a lifestyle change, not just a one-time fix," Sasaki said. "The program is perfectly designed for people who had a cardiac incident or are susceptible to one. It’s about prevention. It’s not about waiting to have a heart attack. It’s about being proactive."

Participants work in a 15-member team to reach their health care goals. They learn how to exercise properly at an on-site gym; control stress with yoga and mediation; and how to prepare a low-fat, plant-based diet.

The center, which will be staffed by a medical doctor at all times, will move into the space formerly occupied by restaurants Hiro­shi and Vino.

"Opening this center is a step towards our goal of improving the overall health of our community by providing greater access to quality care," said Jay Fuji­moto, president of ‘Ekahi Health System.

Costs for participants with medical insurance range from $360 to $1,579, Sasaki said. He didn’t immediately know the out-of-pocket costs for those without coverage.

Members of Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurer, with heart disease or multiple cardiac risk factors may be eligible for the program.

‘Ekahi Health System is enrolling its first participants in the Ornish program that starts in September. For more information, email Ornish@EkahiHealth.com or call 948-9500.