Waipahu High School held a blessing ceremony for its upcoming Academic Health Center on April 3. The health center will open in partnership with Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH). It will be located on Waipahu High School’s campus and be open for the public to receive general family and OBGYN care.

Construction is slated to be completed in December, and The Academic Health Center is expected to serve as a teaching ground for students in HPH’s medical assisting program. It will allow participating students to receive their training hours through real-life cases. The students will be able to practice performing safe injections, charting vitals, and safely handling medical instruments. HPH’s Director of Workforce Development Carl Hinson explains that the center is “a great opportunity for [students] to develop into great medical field workers and learn the value of giving back.” 

Students will be able to learn and connect with the clinic’s physician in a classroom setting. In this class, students will be able to learn different medical topics as well as get basic medical procedure training. They will also have a chance to shadow physicians throughout the clinic. 

Waipahu High School’s other academies may become involved in their own ways within the clinic. The Academy of Industrial Engineering Academy has been already involved with the design and construction of the space. The Academy of Professional and Public Services has the role in the marketing of the clinic to the community, and its culinary course may help spread awareness about the benefits of healthy eating through the clinic.

Academy of Health and Sciences Assistant Principal Kel Hirohata says, “This clinic is the definition of opportunities for students. It’s what makes us the leaders for innovation.”