MEDIA RELEASE

Learn To Maximize Your Medication’s Effectiveness And Minimize Risk Of Error

Almost anyone who takes more than a few medications routinely is at risk of making a potentially dangerous mistake. Usually that risk is fairly small, but when the number of medications increases, so does the risk. Just last month at a free community health fair on Kaua`i sponsored by ‘Ohana Health Plan, two potentially life-threatening mistakes were discovered. To help prevent this, Hawai’i Island residents are invited to a free community Health Fair at Prince Kuhi`o Plaza this Sat., Aug. 14, 2010 from 10 a.m. 1 p.m. to talk – at no cost — with a clinical pharmacist from Longs Drugs. Individuals are urged to bring their medications so the pharmacist can have all the information needed to give the best possible advice.

In addition, there will be free blood pressure checks, lots of free healthcare information, bingo, entertainment and more.

At 11 a.m., the following six organizations will receive a cumulative $3,500 donation to support and acknowledge their contribution to the health, safety and wellness of Hawai’i Island:

• Hale `Oluea Clubhouse of Hilo
• College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai`i at Hilo
• Legal Aid Society of Hawai`i – Hilo
• Māla`ai – the Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School
• Office of Social Ministry – PILAR Prison Re-entry Program
• Rural Family Practice Residency Program – Hilo Medical Center Foundation

The donations are being made by `Ohana Health Plan, one of two contracted providers of QUEST Expanded Access medical services for Hawai`i’s seniors and persons with disabilities. Making the donations with `Ohana will be Hilo’s own Rep. Jerry Chang and Rep. Clifton Tsuji