Editor’s note: Each Wednesday, West Hawaii Today is publishing a story about individuals, groups or organizations that have helped make life better for others in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs recently delivered hundreds of “Meals and Mahalo” to frontline health care workers at Hilo Medical Center and Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital as a part of its statewide initiative to express gratitude to those serving who COVID-19 most impacts.
Including the 150 meals served Oct. 1 to Hilo staffers and the 250 served Sept. 3o the Waimea staffers, more than 1,000 meals have been delivered to Hawaii’s frontline health care workers across thestate during a time when hospitals are reporting being at their capacity with relief nurses coming in to Hawaii to provide support.
“With the maxed capacity in our ICUs, lack of resources including staffing, we understand our healthcare workers across the state, especially those in rural communities like Hawaii Island, are beyond exhausted,” said Sylvia Hussey, OHA Ka Pouhana and CEO. “So, we want to express our utmost aloha nui for the work they are doing by sharing food, as it is one of the most powerful ways in Hawaiian culture to show gratitude.”
OHA coordinated with Liquid Life, a small business founded as an organic holistic health cafe and juice bar and a recipient of an OHA Malama Loan that supports Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, to deliver “Meals & Mahalo” to doctors, nurses, CNAs and other hospital staff. All of whom continue to confront the ravages of COVID-19, including the spike from the Delta variant.
“Our hospital team is working extra hard during these difficult times and a special meal is a greatly appreciated break to their busy day. It means even more to them that the meal is coming from the community that they are working so hard to care for and keep safe,” said Lynn Scully, marketing and communications manager at Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital.
Know a Hometown Hero who should be highlighted next Wednesday? It can be anybody, from a youngster doing good for the community, to a professional helping with the COVID-19 pandemic, or even a kupuna! Please send your nominations to cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com with the subject: Hometown Heroes Nomination. Please include the hero’s name, contact information and what makes them a hero.