Category: Programs & Services

  • Safe Prescription Drug Disposal

    The amount of unwanted medical waste has risen considerably in recent decades. But did you know that unused or expired medicine should be properly disposed of when it is no longer needed? But proper disposal does not mean throwing it in the trash or flushing it. Proper disposal by the proper authorities during Drug Take…

  • Help Prevent Medicare Fraud & Abuse

    Medicare fraud poses a significant threat to the integrity of healthcare systems, leading to increasing healthcare costs and undermining trust. Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion annually due to fraud, errors and abuse, but the actual figure is difficult to measure. Medicare fraud and abuse can block people’s access to potentially lifesaving services and benefits.…

  • A Native Hawaiian Health Road Map

    Hawaiian elders are treasured and revered for their profound and invaluable role in strengthening families and sustaining the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture and language. But despite their significance, they have the poorest health outcomes compared to their counterparts from other ethnic groups in Hawai‘i. They are at the highest risk of developing dementia as…

  • Legacy2Action Bridges Students & Kūpuna

    The 100th Infantry Battalion was a unit of second-generation Americans of Japanese ancestry men, nisei, who were born in Hawai‘i and achieved worldwide recognition as fierce fighters and loyal Americans. They achieved these accomplishments despite initial, unfounded suspicion and discrimination because they looked like the Japanese enemy who attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.…

  • Save More on Prescriptions

    On Aug. 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act became law, bringing relief for many Medicare beneficiaries who pay a lot for their prescription drugs. New benefits begin each year to lower your copays and out-of-pocket costs. 2023: The law caps copay at $35/month for certain insulin medications. Medicare covers 100% of Part D vaccinations, such…

  • SMART911 Helps First Responders Help You

    In emergencies, quick, informed responses can make the difference between life and death. Whether it’s responding to a 911 call of an individual experiencing a medical crisis at home or or an impending natural disaster, access to critical information can empower first responders to act appropriately and effectively in saving lives. The SMART911 service helps…

  • Medicare Drug Costs Capped for Kūpuna

    Maui resident Susan Baylosis and her mother both use Medicare Part D insurance to pay for their medicines. So far, their co-payments have been manageable. They haven’t had to take expensive brand-name prescription drugs. But Susan, an advocate for caregivers, knows that a catastrophic illness like cancer could be financially devastating even with insurance. “The…

  • Helping Kūpuna Age Safely at Home

    Aging is a natural part of life, but it often comes with challenges, especially for our kūpuna who wish to remain in their own homes. Maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment can become increasingly difficult with age, but programs like “A Brush with Kindness” are stepping in to provide invaluable support. This Habitat for…

  • Kūpuna Services Re-Emerge in Kāne‘ohe

    The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in countless ways. Businesses closed, including services for kūpuna and their family caregivers. Unfortunately, many of these businesses did not reopen as the rest of the state began recovery from the pandemic and began to rebuild. Adult day care services are important to kūpuna who need supervision and socialization during…

  • The Legacy of The Salvation Army

    Since 1894, The Salvation Army, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, has focused its efforts on providing support, a sense of community and, most importantly, hope to those in need. For the past 130 years, their hallmark programs, such as the Red Kettle campaign and Angel Tree Giving, have played a pivotal role in ensuring that…

  • It’s the Season for Health Insurance Options

    It’s the Season for Health Insurance Options

    October through December brings an annual opportunity for seniors to review their health status and medical insurance plan to ensure coverage that suits them best. All seniors 65 and over can have health insurance. If needed, no-cost government sponsored plans are a ready and available option. Hawai‘i seniors who have had changes in income, assets…

  • Senior Pedestrian Safety Tips

    Senior Pedestrian Safety Tips

    Seniors 65 years and older represent about a third of all pedestrian fatalities across the state. The Hawai‘i State Department of Transportation’s Walk Wise Hawaii program launched a partnership with First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) to stress the importance of visibility while walking — day or night. Most pedestrian crashes occur between 6 pm…