Summer 2007

Volume XIV, Issue 1 Summer 2007

Dr. Valerie Foree, a lead nursein the Waikiki Health Center’sCare-A-Van program, recently

completed a study of Oahu’s olderhomeless population for her PhDthesis.

“Any preconceived ideas you haveabout the homeless population, youneed to leave at the door,” she said.

A random sampling of 80 peoplewas conducted over a 12-week periodwithin an age range of 50 to 76 yearsold. During the 20–40 minute inter-views, which covered 37 questions,Dr. Foree discovered that 40% of thoseinterviewed had completed some col-lege coursework.

“Anyone, regardless of academicachievement, can become homeless,”she said.

Dr. Foree emphasized that eachhomeless person has a unique storyand unique life circumstances.

“All it takes is one catastrophic eventin a person’s life and anyone could endup homeless,” she said. “Most had amiddle class, stable background.”

Among those interviewed, the No. 1reason for homelessness was a familydisruption, such as divorce, separa-tion or domestic abuse. The loss ofhousing or eviction was the No. 2reason, and lack of work or job losswas the third leading reason forhomelessness.

The study also showed that 83 per-cent of the homeless she interviewedhad medical insurance.

The Newsletter of the WAIKIKI HEALTH CENTER

Hawaii’s elderly: facing ‘golden years’ or homelessness?

WAIKIKI HEALTH CENTER

The surprising face of homelessness

Charlie, a 65-year-old formerfirefighter, is now part of thehomeless population.

He has a long history in Waikiki,having attended Thomas JeffersonElementary School, Hawaii BaptistAcademy and UH Manoa. He currentlyworks full-time managing a 41-unitbuilding—and lives in a van he pur-chased for $500.

Charlie made the hard decision tolive in his van, and not spend moneyon rent, so he can save for a time whenhe’ll no longer be able to work forhealth reasons.

Charlie, a diabetic, first came tothe Waikiki Health Center with a footinfection. Due to poor circulation,

Continued on page 2

Dr. Valerie ForeeDNP, APRN-Rx, FNP-BC

Valerie has worked at WaikikiHealth Center since 2003, pro-viding primary medical care toOahu’s homeless population.She also is an Adjunct Professorat Hawaii Pacific University.

Continued on page 5

2 PEOPLECARE is published quarterly by the Waikiki Health Center, 277 Ohua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

Electronic Medical Records, other advances on the way$350,000, 2-year technology upgrade to improve care, expedite services

Waikiki Health Center’spatient services and busi-ness operations will see

some significant changes over the nexttwo years. The Center’s 10-year-oldpractice management system, designedprimarily for billing, is about to bereplaced with a comprehensive HealthInformation Technology (HIT) System,including Electronic Medical Records(EMR).

Improved patient care

“The new system will allow us tostreamline patient intake, scheduling,and follow-up,” Paul Strauss, the Cen-ter’s executive director, said. “We’llbe able to provide better care for allour patients, and especially improve-ments in chronic disease management,due to the tracking and follow-upcapabilities.”

Electronic medical records “willbe a real value to our patients. EMRwill give our medical care team im-mediate access to a patient’s medicalrecords, enabling providers to maketimely and informed treatment deci-sions,” Strauss said. Providers alsocan share patient information withreferral providers, emergency rooms,and hospitals. “In a situation whereevery minute counts, electronic ac-cess to a patient’s health records canbe a life-saver.”

Community Health Centercollaborative

Over the past year, Waikiki HealthCenter and other Hawaii commu-nity health centers—with the assis-tance of the Hawaii Primary CareAssociation—joined forces to iden-tify and select a HIT System to satisfy

their mutual needs. The group de-cided on a GE product named Cen-tricity®, which is tailored to therequirements of community healthcenters.

Outside financial assistance willbe necessary to support WaikikiHealth Center’s $350,000 technologyadvance. The Center has securedsome private funding, and will belooking to additional sources, includ-ing individuals and foundations, toback the project.

Entire agency on board

The Center’s executive leadership,board of directors, medical providersand support staff are all committed tothe new system. “This HIT System isessential, and well worth our years ofplanning that have brought us to thispoint,” Strauss said.

Dr. Foree said she conducted thestudy because it is important to an-ticipate the health service needs ofour aging society, not only in Hawaii,but across the nation.

“Hawaii’s population is aging, home-lessness is on the rise and as the olderhomeless population increases, sowill the need for healthcare services.”

Hawaii’s homeless population hasquadrupled in five years, from 3,171in 1999 to 13,000 in 2004. In the lastdecade, the largest homeless popula-tion increase was seen among peopleaged 50 to 54 years old.

“We have a graying society,” saidMary Spadaro, of the Center’s Develop-ment staff. “A lot more people are atrisk of becoming homeless in theirgolden years when they are less ableto cope with the hardships.”

Hawaii’s older homeless population Continued from page 1

“ ”“ ”“ ”“ ”

Comments from OlderHomeless Population Study

The loneliness is killingme, it seems hopeless.

It’s really hard tying toestablish relationshipsoutside of the homeless.

I try my best to getoff the streets, but Irun into dead ends.

I’m the most lonesome

man that ever lived.

Summer 2007 The Newsletter of the Waikiki Health Center · PEOPLECARE 3

Last year, your gifts helped…

: Provide 14,253 medical visits throughout ourclinics and outreach programs

: Serve 5,549 patients, the majority of whomwere living at or below poverty level

: Sustain our ability to serve everyone –regardless of ability to pay

: Bring medical and social services to homelessfamilies and individuals across Oahu

: Offer companionship and other support to Waikiki’s older seniors through volunteer efforts

: Provide immunizations and physical exams to needy and homeless children

: Empower runaway, abandoned and homeless teenagers to plan more positive futures

Special Giving Opportunities You can make a difference in the lives of our island’s most vulnerable

and disadvantaged residents with your gift to Waikiki Health Center through…

GIVE ALOHAThroughout the month of September, Foodland and Sack ‘n Savestores will match your donation of up to $249 made to Waikiki HealthCenter at their check-out counters. Simply present your Maika`i Card,and designate your gift to Waikiki Health Center. Code 77137

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGNMembers of our military and federal employees can assist WaikikiHealth Center through a pledge to the Hawaii-Pacific Area CombinedFederal Campaign. Please name Waikiki Health Center as your desig-nated charity when this year’s CFC Campaign starts in the fall.

ALOHA UNITED WAYWaikiki Health Center is a participating agency of Aloha United Way,eligible to receive funds contributed to AUW. Your gift will supportthe giving goals of AUW, while furthering the work of Waikiki HealthCenter to provide “safety net” medical and social services to needyisland residents. To contribute, ask your AUW Coordinator for aDonor Choice Form.

ONLINE CONTRIBUTIONS…LOOK US UP AT WWW.WAIKIKIHC.ORG

4 PEOPLECARE is published quarterly by the Waikiki Health Center, 277 Ohua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

Thank you to all our contributors for makingour work possible. For especially generousgifts, we’d like to acknowledge the followingindividuals, businesses, foundations andorganizations:

$50,000 + DonorsMrs. Barbara Cox AnthonyMcInerny Foundation

$20,000 + DonorsG.N. Wilcox TrustMAC AIDS FundSophie Russell Testamentary TrustSusan G. Komen for the CureWaikiki Business Improvement

District Association

$5,000 + DonorsAtherton Family FoundationHenry & Colene Wong FoundationMary & Paul Wagner FundNFL CharitiesBretzlaff Foundation EndowmentSafeway FoundationHarold K.L. Castle FoundationBank of Hawaii FoundationFirst Hawaiian Bank FoundationHawaii Hotel & Lodging AssociationCooke Foundation Ltd.Hawaii Community FoundationChamber of Commerce of HawaiiOutrigger Hotels & Resorts

Hawaii Women’s Legal FoundationFranz Koch TrustIfuku Family FoundationKosasa FoundationFriends of Hawaii Charities Inc.Jerome FoundationCentral Pacific Bank

$1,000 + DonorsMakiki Christian ChurchRetina Institute of HawaiiUHADr. & Mrs. Max BotticelliCentral Union Church Women’s LeagueEstate of James CampbellFirst Hawaiian BankMr. & Mrs. Jonathan ChoMovie MuseumNuuanu Congregational ChurchServco Pacific Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Charles HardyDr. M. Lou HefleyDr. Ralph C. HookFirst Presbyterian ChurchMs. Elspeth KerrHarry C. & Nee C. Wong FoundationMr. & Mrs. Bruce LuxtonMs. Nancy MakowskiMr. & Mrs. Wilburn McGillDr. & Mrs. John MortonWomen’s Fund of HawaiiMrs. Elinor RatcliffeMs. Linda Ross & Mr. David Reid

Hawaii Medical Service AssociationCentral Union ChurchPacific Buddhist AcademyMr. John White & Ms. Yoko Hayami-WhiteDr. & Mrs. Neal WinnMr. & Mrs. Wendell WongDr. Ann CattsK Properties Inc.

$500 + DonorsMs. Phyllis Baumwell-DendleRev. Anke FlohrMs. Joanne HolmbergWoman’s Board of Missions for the

Pacific IslandsExcelsior Lodge No.1 I.O.O.F.Ms. Eleanor Muller & Ms. Wehilani AkanaMeadow Gold DairiesMr. & Mrs. Nick NagelMr. & Mrs. Newton PrattROSES Systems SolutionsMr. & Mrs. Douglas ShanefieldUnity Church of HawaiiMr. & Mrs. Paul StraussFoodland Supermarket Ltd.Mr. Tod Tanaka & Ms. Kathryn MatayoshiIsland Insurance Co. Ltd.Queen’s Medical CenterMr. Scott Wilson & Ms. Christine YanoMr. & Mrs. Michael WoodMr. & Mrs. Patrick Yim

From the heart, mahalo!

In Remembrance…

A gift was made in memory of: Russell J. Aguillon by Andres Aguillon;Rev. Abraham Kahikina Akaka by Sarah Akaka-Truong; Nancy KimikoMahina Furuike by Ed Furuike; Leilani Sutton by Manuel Garcia; VictorHalevi by Lynne Halevi; Mindy Starn by Glenn Helme; Cathy Bush byKevin James; Alice and John Y. Kim by Marilynn Kim; Eileen Tam byGriffith Lau; Rachel Kalai Kaho by Michael Lee; Doris S. Miller by RichardMiller; Elden Johnny by Yulito Morgia; Roy Muraoka by Sharon Muraoka;Verna K. Olson by Douglas Olson; Rodrigo “Sal” Salvador by GloriaSalvador; Michelle Ann Bensinger by Diana Tavares-Parker; James R.Silva, Sr. and James R. Silva, Jr. by Gwen Silva; Howard Kobayashi byHenry Makey; Jack McGuire by Violet Mossman; Amabile Musso byKen Thomas; and Michael Cosby by Michael Voth.

In Honor…

A gift was made in honor of: JeanineReed by Elsie Bredo; Michael Kealeby Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kamei;Jeffrey Aasen by Sharon Venegas; TheWaikiki Health Center ManagementTeam by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Strauss;Martin Robinson by Robert McClay;St. Anthony by Helen Klimpl; andAndrew and Mei Jean by JuneNaughton.

Summer 2007 The Newsletter of the Waikiki Health Center · PEOPLECARE 5

problems with the feet must be treatedwith great care. A simple glass cut or ablister from wearing slippers caneasily turn into an infection, asCharlie knows all too well.

He appreciated the care and helphe received at the Waikiki HealthCenter and continued to come to theclinic regularly for his health careneeds. He credits the Waikiki HealthCenter with saving his life.

Charlie said he wasn’t feeling well,and a medical provider at our centerrecognized that he was going into adiabetic coma and called an ambulance.

“I came so close to not making it,”said Charlie. “The doctor at Queen’s

said my sugar was at 18—so close todying. The Waikiki Health Center’scare and concern for me cannot bemeasured.”

In the 60s, when they were stillcalled firemen, Charlie also slept in hisvan. He wasn’t considered ‘homeless’in those days, it was just a free-spiritedlifestyle.

Today, Charlie is considered home-less, but he doesn’t believe that itaffects his health. As a full-time em-ployee, he has medical benefits. He hasa monitor for his diabetes. And, hemanages to keep up with his hygieneby being a member of a club that hasshowers.

The surprising face of homelessness Continued from page 1

On old movies, mental health and fundraising: Randy HackThe Movie Museum donates $3,000

Alot is expected of volunteernon-profit board membersthese days, especially in those

non-profits responding to the mostcritical community needs, such asWaikiki Health Center. Randy Hackis a stand-out among the many dedi-cated board members who supportthe Center’s work.

While a number of board membersare able to make generous personalgifts, Hack successfully raises operat-ing funds for the Center each year byasking others in the community togive. For each of the last two years,Hack has been congratulated by fel-low board members for soliciting thelargest amount of funds. When askedthe secret to his success, he responds,“I like to go to old movies” referring tothe generosity of The Movie Museumwhich made a $3,000 gift last year atHack’s request.

Hack is a convincing fundraiserfor a reason. His commitment to theCenter’s mission and his convictionof the importance of its services are

borne from personal experience—andhe is an admirable picture of personalsuccess. It’s hard to say ‘No’ to someonelike him.

The association between Hack andWaikiki Health Center began in the1970s when he was a client and vol-unteer at United Self-Help, a self-helpmental health organization that oc-cupied two offices in Waikiki HealthCenter’s clinic. He was homeless then.Today, Hack describes himself as “inrecovery from severe and persistentmental illness.” Over the years, Hackprogressed from client, to volunteer,

to staff member, and, ultimately, toExecutive Director for four years atUnited Self-Help before taking a posi-tion with the State Department ofHealth’s Adult Mental Health Divi-sion where he is a Consumer Advo-cate today.

The National Alliance for MentalIllness and the American Mental HealthAssociation have recognized Hackwith commendations and awards forcommunity service. He also was an in-vitee at the White House Conferenceon Mental Health. Currently, in addi-tion to full-time employment, Hackserves as Treasurer on the KaimukiNeighborhood Board and volunteersfor two more non-profits.

Of his board service and fundrais-ing for Waikiki Health Center, Hacksays he likes the health center “becauseit helps vulnerable, underserved pop-ulations—I’m still in that population.It hits close to home. People shouldnot forget where they came from. IfI’m successful in getting some moneyfor the Center, that is its own reward.”

Randy Hack

WAIKIKI HEALTH CENTERBOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENTMichael Burnett

VICE PRESIDENT/DEVELOPMENTJohn Morton, PhD

VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURERMax Botticelli, MD

SECRETARYGennitt Simons

Clifton Choy; Marya Grambs; Randolph C. Hack;Philip Kinnicutt; Melanie Mito May; Carol Murry,DrPH; ThanhLo Sananikone; Paul Smith; Toni

Todino; Neal E. Winn, MD

MEMBER EMERITUSM. Lou Hefley, MD

Waikiki Health Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Ourmission is to provide affordable medical care and social services that

are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

WAIKIKIHEALTHCENTERREACHINGOUTFROMTHEHEARTOFWAIKIKI.

277 Ohua AvenueHonolulu, Hawaii 96815-3695(808) 922-4788

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Coins count!Your pocket change will help needy children get ready for school

Waikiki Health Center’s Back to School canister drive raises funds to provide immunizations and physical exams,and general medical care, to children from low-income and homeless families. Please show your appreciation tothe retailers who are displaying our canisters on their counters by visiting their stores.

Advance Til PaydayAloha Sushi • Discovery BayBeachcomber Kauai MarketBen Franklin Crafts • KailuaCathedral Gift Shop • Ala Moana Shopping CenterCinnabon • Pearlridge & DowntownDairy Queen/Orange Julius • Ala Moana Shopping CenterGBC Store • Kaneohe Shopping CenterGeneral Store Deli • Renaissance Ilikai Hotel Haleiwa PharmacyHaleiwa SupermarketHawaii Kai Barber & StylingHawaii National BankHawaiian Island CreationsHilo HattieL&L Drive Inn • Sand IslandLoco Moco Drive-In #5 • Koko Marina Shopping Center

Longs Drug Stores • all storesMail Boxes Etc. • KapahuluMark's Hallmark • Kahala MallMarsha Nadalin Salon • Kahala MallMocha Java Café • Ward CenterOutrigger East PantryOutrigger Kauai MarketOutrigger Kuhio PhotoPets Plus • Ward CenterPrince Kuhio PharmacyRent-A-Center • DillinghamResortQuest Kauai MarketRyan's Sportsworld Inc • Aina Haina Shopping CenterThe Liquor Collection • Ward WarehouseTimes SupermarketsWatson Business Center • Renaissance Ilikai Hotel