Our mission is to make quality, comprehensive, and integrated health services accessible to all regardless of income. These services will be culturally sensitive and will promote community well-being through the practice of malama pono (caring for others in a way that is right).

Our history began with planning efforts initiated by a Salvation Army task force in 2002, an organization which by necessity, had been providing limited health care services in Kailua Kona and were anxious to return to their social service focus.  They were, however, concerned with the lack of medical and mental health services to the area and a growing Kona population.  In 2003, a 30+ member Steering Committee was formed to garner interest in the development of a community health center and to take the steps necessary to make it a reality.  Application for charitable, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) status was submitted to the IRS in 2004 and a permanent 15-member Board of Directors was selected. Efforts also began that year on needs assessment surveys and data collection. 

West Hawaii Community Health Center (WHCHC) entered into agreement with the Salvation Army’s Kona Community Clinic to assume that operation, opening its doors to the community in January of 2005.  A year later in 2006, WHCHC received its FQHC (federally qualified health center) status, paving the way for a cost-effective way to deliver health care to the underserved and uninsured in our community. Today, WHCHC is an integral part of the West Hawaii community and continually strives to provide quality, affordable healthcare to our residents.