AlohaCare’s new Imua Loa program provides funding for Hawaii public health organizations

By

Shane Ersland

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AlohaCare recently launched its new community giving program, Imua Loa (meaning to go forward in health and well-being), by distributing $300,000 to benefit 20 organizations throughout the Hawaiian islands.

 

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Eighteen organizations received donations from between $5,000 and $35,000 each to help meet essential and holiday needs of keiki to kupuna facing homelessness or food insecurity. Special Olympics Hawaii received $25,000 for 2023 health-related programming and Waikiki Health was awarded a grant of $50,000 for its Emergency Room Diversion Program. 

Four island food banks—Hawaii’s Foodbank, Maui Food Bank, Kauai Independent Food Bank, and The Food Basket on Hawaii Island, received a total of $95,000. 

The Imua Loa program supports AlohaCare’s strategic goal of strengthening Hawaii’s healthcare safety net, and its new one-stop digital site, Imualoa.Alohacare.org, provides a streamlined way to apply for funding. The application portal for grants, sponsorships, and charitable donations will open on Thursday. AlohaCare’s annual education scholarship applications will be available by Feb. 6th.

“As a safety net health plan, we consider giving back to our community a vital part of our mission, and through Imua Loa, we look forward to continuing to uplift our community,” AlohaCare CEO Francoise Culley-Trotman said. “With this round of donations, our goal was to fund programs or activities that will brighten the holidays for those in need, particularly our keiki and kupuna.”

Since AlohaCare’s inception in 1994 as a community-led health plan, its kuleana has been caring for and helping Hawaii’s most vulnerable populations. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need to expand community partnerships in order to help achieve health equity.

“In tribute to the organization that gave us our name, we returned to the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center’s Kupuna Council for their recommendations,” Culley-Trotman said. “And in their wisdom, Imua Loa perfectly aligns with our vision of a healthier Hawaii.”

With Imua Loa, AlohaCare looks forward to continuing its tradition of assisting organizations to elevate the health of all who call Hawaii home. Applicants who may not be able to submit online applications will still have the opportunity to email or mail the required information to AlohaCare. For more information, visit Imualoa.Alohacare.org.

Donation recipients included Hale Kau Kau, Hale Opio Kauai Inc., Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Foodbank, Hawaii Meals on Wheels, Kahiau Project, Kauai Independent Food Bank, Lanai Baptist Church, Lanakila Senior Center, Marshallese Community Organization of Hawaii, Maui Economic Opportunity, Maui Food Bank, Maui Youth and Family Services Shelter, Pasefika Empowerment and Advancement, Project Hawaii, RYSE, Special Olympics Hawaii, The Food Basket, Waikiki Health, and YMCA Kauai Family Violence Shelter.

This press release was provided by AlohaCare.