New Provo Wellness Program Aims to Benefit Students from Low-Income Families | News, Sports, Jobs

Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said she grew up in a single-parent household dependent on community resources and understands what it takes to overcome adversity and economic challenges.

That’s why she says she’s dedicated to the well-being of Provo’s school-age children.

On Tuesday, Kaufusi announced the launch of a new initiative, Kaufusi’s Keikis.

Keiki is the Hawaiian translation of the word child.

This is all part of a partnership between Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Provo City School District. The program offers Provo elementary school students the opportunity to receive a free annual opt-in health check, promoted as particularly beneficial to low-income and under-resourced communities.

“This is personal to me because I was a ‘free and reduced lunch kid’ raised by a single mother of seven children. As a family, we were always in survival mode. My success would not have been possible without a caring community that stepped in to make a difference,” Kaufusi said in a press release. “Keikis at Kaufusi is another example of our caring community coming together for the health of our children. There is no greater cause than addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. I can’t think of any.

The launch was fueled by a $25,000 donation from Provo Open, located outside Timpanogos Elementary School.

Funding was raised through Provo Advantage 2023 Pro Ams. This golf event will once again benefit Keikis of Kaufusi through upcoming competitions to be held on June 24th and his 25th.

“For community service, I was looking for kids who were like me when I was a kid: underserved, trying to fit in, not wanting to stand out,” Kaufusi said Tuesday. He spoke at the announcement event.

Your vital signs will be taken at the Kaufushi no Keikis health check station. Check your child’s ears, nose, and throat for problems. Provides basic dental and vision care.

“Everyone knows that the earlier a disease can be detected, the better the health status. So in the case of these young children, it is done as early as possible,” said Rector and CEO of Noorda University. Director Dr. Norman Wright said.

Provo School District officials are looking forward to the opportunity to provide preventive care to students.

“Our families and students need access to resources outside of what’s happening in the classroom,” said school board member Meg Van Wagenen. “And I think this is a great opportunity to really work together for the betterment of our students and their families.”

The first opt-in health screening opportunity will be held at Timpanogos Elementary School, a Title I school, on May 1 at 7 p.m.

Noorda University officials said they would take a “phased approach” in rolling out the program. The ultimate goal is to conduct her four physical exams a year throughout the Provo School District.

Newsletter