March Ohana Open Market and Information Fair

At this month’s event, VAPIHCS was able to distribute $2,234.10 worth of food to 363 military and Veteran households and 29 non-military households. A total of 59 people helped pass out the food, including volunteers from charities, community organizations, and individuals. 

“Part of VA’s mission is to ensure that Veterans are able to access necessities,” said VAPIHCS Assistant Director James Ingebredtsen. “Our cooperation with community partners allows us to distribute food, clothing, and sundries to those who need them. We’ve had an outpouring of support from the community, and it means so much to us.”  

The Daniel K. Akaka Va Clinic opened on April 8, 2024. Since then, more than 30 events have been held at the clinic, including a Veterans Creative Arts Festival, a Recreation Therapy Festival, a Thanksgiving event, and much more. The clinic has quickly become a hub for Veteran events and activities, as well as a place for those in need to come and get support. 

“It’s a beautiful day to take care of Veterans,” said CDCE Chief Schoen Safotu. “We’re grateful to the Armed Services YMCA and the Hawaii Food Bank for their support of the Ohana Open Markets, and we’re grateful to all our community partners for the help and support they give us.”

During the monthly food distribution event, staff also set up tables in the lobby and created an information fair to help educate Veterans about VAPIHCS services and programs. Community partners who provide services to Veterans are welcomed to join these events. This month, Big Tire Boot Camp, The Pearl City Elks Lodge, Disabled Veterans of America (DAV), and many more came to share what they have to offer Veterans. Additionally, VAPIHCS services like caregiver support, women’s health, and patient care services were available to talk with Veterans. 

“We’re excited to share what we offer with the Veterans who come to these events,” said Women’s Health Program Manager Denise Koutrouba. “We have wonderful events for women Veterans such as coffee and conversations, drive thru baby showers, and paint and sip classes. We also offer a wide array of health services that women Veterans can learn about and utilize at all stages of their lives.”

VAPIHCS is committed to providing the best care available to Veterans of the Pacific Islands, and the Daniel K. Akaka Clinic just got two exciting new services. Bookings for the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine (MRI) began March 3, 2025, and the new urgent care opened inside the clinic on March 17, 2025. The Akaka clinic is the first VAPIHCS facility to have an urgent care and the first VAPIHCS facility to have an MRI machine. After opening on April 8, 2025, the clinic has made a meaningful impact on the leeward community of Oahu, and opened up new services for all Veterans of the Pacific Islands who come to Oahu for their care. 

If you would like to enroll in VAPIHCS health care, call 1-800-214-1306.