Project Vision Hawaii Selected as Part of Microsoft’s National TechSpark Program to Increase Access to Health and Human Services in Hawaii

Project Vision Hawaii and Microsoft to work together to bring much-needed medical screenings to underserved communities across the state. 

Honolulu, HI– Project Vision Hawaii announced today that it will be working with Microsoft TechSpark to foster inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation in Hawaii. Project Vision Hawaii has provided free medical screening services to over 115,000 patients across the state, including seniors, children from low-income families, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities. 

With ten mobile screening units serving Hawaii Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu, Project Vision is the only mobile health screening program in Hawaii with statewide services in communities facing significant access-to-care challenges related to income, lack of insurance, geographical location, or cultural conflict. This effort will be supported by a Microsoft grant to fund a TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow, who will spearhead local efforts, working with local partners provide Project Vision Hawaii with cutting-edge technology and technical guidance to enhance their mission to provide health screenings to those in need. The collaboration aims to bring new opportunities for remote and virtual medical screenings that can help address the ongoing healthcare disparities in Hawaii. This Fellowship represents the first time TechSpark has worked in Hawaii.  

"We at Project Vision Hawaii are excited to be working with Microsoft TechSpark" said Darrah Kauhane-Floerke, Project Vision Hawaii Executive Director. "This collaboration will enhance our ability to provide services to the most rural and underserved areas of Hawaii. We are excited for what this collaboration will bring for the people of Hawaii."  

"Since we launched TechSpark in 2017, we’ve helped communities secure more than $125 million in funding and helped create thousands of jobs,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies. "By expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity." 

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the expansion of its TechSpark program to tackle digital inclusion in four focus areas: digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation with local based organizations. Since its inception in 2017, TechSpark has helped its eight communities secure more than $125 million in community funding, skill 55,000 people, and create 3,300 jobs. Read more about Microsoft TechSpark here. 

For more information, contact us at 808 201-3937, email info@projectvisionhawaii.org or visit www.projectvisionhawaii.org