MEDIA RELEASE

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has announced more than $160,000 in grant funding to four local community organizations/programs: Department of Health/HEP Free Hawaii, Hawaii Education Matters, KUPU, and Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

Grants address health disparities, active living and healthy eating initiatives, and healthier environments.

* Department of Health/HEP Free Hawaii – A $40,350 grant was made to help raise awareness about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis and liver disease in Hawaii through culturally appropriate tools.

* Hawaii Education Matters – A $50,000 grant will support a pilot initiative to increase physical activity among teens through the use of Zamzee, a technology that monitors, quantifies, and rewards physical activity in a motivating and engaging way.

* KUPU – A $50,000 grant will implement a “Weatherization + Health” pilot initiative to create healthier home environments.

* Kokua Hawaii Foundation – A $20,300 grant will support a school garden project with food safety certification to create greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables in schools.