The 7th annual Ka Paʻalana Health Fair took place at the KROC Center in Kapolei last week. Two dozen vendors came out to support our Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education Program families. 

The purpose of the Health Fair is to provide vital information and resources to our Ka Paʻalana families. Besides pamphlets and flyers, participants can receive free eye exams, flu shots, dental exams, and much more. 

One of the most talked-about aspects this year was the focus on nutrition. Different booths allowed keiki and caregivers the opportunity to learn more about the foods on their plates, and how to make better dietary choices. 

Ka Paʻalana parents Rano and Selestina Fetui were attending the Health Fair for the first time. They said just hearing about healthy habits motivated them to be better role models for their two young keiki. “It’s an eye-opener for our kids to eat healthy,” said Selestina. 

Besides information about physical health, there were also professionals present to talk about mental and emotional health. The Catalyst Group offers extensive psychological services ranging from treatment of depression and trauma to martial counseling and psychotherapy. 

Caregivers were invited to explore the booths at their leisure, and stamp cards were passed out to encourage interaction with the vendors. 

“It’s a nice way to bring the families to the resources,” said Kelsey La Cuesta, an Assessment Specialist with Ka Paʻalana. Many of the families struggle to make appointments around their keiki. Not only does the Health Fair provide resources for families, but the Ka Paʻalana staff also organize a preschool in the morning to give the parents a chance to really take in the booths and activities.

Mahalo nui loa to all of our partnering organizations and sponsors who made this year’s Health Fair possible! We can’t wait to have everyone back next year.

“The Health Fair came about from one of our initiatives to improve the health of our program families and children,” said Jin Chang, Ka Paʻalana’s Co-Manager.

The primary purpose of the Fair to provide a venue where program families and children can interface with and receive services from community health service providers free of charge. This year there were almost two dozen organizations in attendance, like the National Kidney Foundation, Catholic Charities, Hawaiʻi Medical College, and the Public Health Nurses.

Ka Paʻalana also aims to encourage program families and children to learn about and take intentional steps towards wellness. There were interactive stations where health care providers taught families how to check blood pressure, how to deal with head lice, and even what kinds of herbs or spices (such as ʻolena, or turmeric) have been used in ancient Hawaiian medicine.

“A lot of times people will take care of their car more than they take care of their body,” said Sheree Sakai, one of Ka Paʻalana’s Parent Educators.”I’m so glad the families are having a good time, and trying [the activities].”

Lastly, Ka Paʻalana hopes the Health Fair will help families to network with community partners. Through networking, they can address issues related to wellness that are unique to Ka Paʻalana’s program population, such as homeless families and children.

Mahalo nui loa to all the health care providers that partnered with us to help ensure the health and well-being of our ʻohanas here in Hawaiʻi. See you next year!

“Adopting a healthy lifestyle has changed my life completely!” was the theme for Christine Hernandez, longtime caregiver at our Hale Wai Vista preschool, and Cheri Richards, Ka Paʻalana Site Supervisor as they inspired our families with their stories at our 5th annual Ka Pa‘alana Health Fair. We had over twenty health care providers sharing about the importance of healthy living and empowering our families to take small but impactful steps to ensure a healthier life for parents and keiki. This event provided our families with free vision screening, CPR training, blood pressure testing, and so much more! Everyone that attended went home with a book, hula hoop, and a bag of fresh produce, while a select few received an additional raffle prize of hygiene products. Mahalo to the many health care providers that share our passion for strengthening families here in Hawai‘i.

Twenty-nine vendors provided a wide variety of hands-on educational booths, and a chance for adults and children to get screened for diabetes, high blood pressure, and vision. A local chef demonstrated quick and healthy recipes with the active participation of Ka Pa‘alana parents. Each family received a “Get Up and Go” book by Nancy Carlson, a bento lunch, and a TANF food distribution bag to take home.

There were also free cell phones, flu shots, and raffle prizes awarded to several lucky families. Everyone went home a winner, being inspired to Ola Mau, live healthy.