PUHI — The Kaua‘i Community College Wellness Center was blessed Monday afternoon after nearly three years of planning by the college’s nursing program faculty and staff, and eight months of construction. It is an extension of a loaned-out classroom that
PUHI — The Kaua‘i Community College Wellness Center was blessed Monday afternoon after nearly three years of planning by the college’s nursing program faculty and staff, and eight months of construction. It is an extension of a loaned-out classroom that opened for limited services in 1997.
“David gave us the go-ahead to make this fly in a way we had only thought of,” said nursing program director Rick Carmichael, giving credit to former KCC Provost David Iha, who allowed the nursing program to start providing some wellness services in 1997.
“We are so blessed in having so many wonderful people in helping this dream come true,” said KCC Chancellor Peggy Cha. “Wellness is not just a physical concept, it’s also a symbol of mental and emotional well-being.”
The 1,200-square-foot facility, more than three times the size of the original, was blessed by the Rev. Wayne Vidinha of Ke Akua Mana Church.
The center includes two exam rooms, a counseling room, workroom, two offices, and the original classroom. Carmichael explained the Wellness Center’s missions: provide health and wellness care for faculty, staff and students; serve as a training site for nursing students and practicing center for instructors; and be a place where wellness research is conducted.
The center is staffed by four nurse practitioners, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa graduate students, and KCC instructors. KCC associate’s-degree students learn procedures to ready them for working at local clinics, said nursing instructor Joanne Noone. Some 45 students are enrolled, with 25 in pre-nursing.
Honolulu-based architect Clifford Projects owner Don Clifford and architect Allen Steck were on hand Monday, as was Richard Maeda of Kauai Builders, which completed construction in about eight months. From design to finish, the expansion took nearly three years. State Sen. Gary Hooser, D-Kaua‘i-Ni‘ihau, who helped pass legislation to appropriate funding for the center, was also in attendance.
KCC officials were able to get two public-use automatic external defibrillators, and purchased a third, thanks to a grant from the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The units were presented by American Heart Association Kaua‘i district board chairman Phyllis Stanwood and volunteer CPR trainer Dave Walker. An AED could help reduce risks of deaths from heart attacks if used quickly, and are at the cafeteria, Performing Arts Center and Wellness Center.
