Project Vision Hawaii Receives $50,000 Donation, Formally Launches Kauai Operation
Project Vision Hawaii (PVH) formally launched its Kauai operation over the weekend after a blessing of the non-profit’s third vision bus by Kahu Nani Hill and a check presentation totaling $50,000. Mayor Bernard Carvalho presented the PVH team with a proclamation declaring May 21 as Project Vision Kauai Day.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii presented PVH with a check for $40,000 and Saltchuk Hawaii donated $10,000. Funds have been used to outfit the vision bus for screenings and will help sustain Kauai operations through 2016.
Project Vision provides free vision and health screenings to Hawaii’s underserved communities, particularly Native Hawaiians, keiki and kupuna, with the goal of detecting eye diseases and disorders early on.
Kaiser Permanente donated the third vision bus, which will split time between Kauai and Maui.
“Our team and partners are excited to bring expanded service to Kauai residents,” said Annie Valentin, executive director of PVH. “We look forward to increasing our reach and furthering our mission to enhance quality of life by improving sight and preventing blindness.”
The blessing and presentations were held in conjunction with the District 50 Lions annual convention. For years, PVH has brought the original, Oahu-based vision bus to the Garden Island and partnered with Kauai Lions to provide screenings. Valentin used the convention as an opportunity to thank Lions across Hawaii for their ongoing assistance in providing residents with opportunities for better vision.
“Screenings in underserved communities are extremely important as they can identify visual impairments or eye disorders that may affect vision later in life,” said Dr. Kapua Medeiros, physician at Kaiser Permanente Lihue Clinic. “With the Project Vision mobile unit now on Kauai, the community has expanded access to free vision screenings and early detection technology to improve health and well-being. We’re honored to support Project Vision and its Kauai partners; their work helps our community thrive.”
Project Vision staff have been on Kauai since October 2015, and have screened 1,040 individuals and provided 1,586 with additional health-related services.
The original health screening bus, based on Oahu, will continue to travel and provide services on Lanai and Molokai. The Hawaii Island bus will continue to expand services on its island.
By For Kauai Online
https://www.forkauaionline.com/project-vision-hawaii-receives-50000-donation-formally-launches-kauai-operation/