Every November, we celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month to recognize the vital role that compassionate care plays in the lives of patients and families across Hawaii. As CEO of Hawaii Care Choices, I see firsthand the comfort and dignity our services provide to those facing serious illnesses.
In hospice and palliative care, we often work in moments when words alone can’t capture the depth of need or the relief that our services can provide. We are there during some of life’s hardest hours — when families face a terminal diagnosis, manage complex symptoms, or need guidance through the unfamiliar territory of loss and grief. At Hawaii Care Choices, we see hospice and palliative care as not just health care services but as essential lifelines that provide support, dignity and peace.
What makes this possible? The dedication, resilience and compassion of our Care Heroes — our staff and volunteers who give so much of themselves to help others find comfort, relief and even moments of joy. Every day, they show up with empathy and skill, helping families to focus on what truly matters. These Care Heroes are more than health care providers; they are partners for families and guides through unfamiliar, often overwhelming circumstances. Their compassionate care allows families to focus on what matters most, knowing they have the support they need.
This year, our commitment to enhancing the quality of care extends through new initiatives that help us reach more families and build a skilled workforce. Our recently launched Nurse Apprenticeship Program — made possible through the generous support of Hui Pohala and the Hawaii Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division — is a yearlong mentorship program for five recently graduated RNs. These nurses gain hands-on training and 1:1 mentorship in hospice and palliative care, setting a strong foundation for their careers. In a field where specialized experience is essential, this program is an investment in the future of compassionate care in Hawaii, preparing the next generation of nurses to carry forward our mission.
To further extend our reach and raise awareness, we also launched “Let’s Talk Healthcare, Hawaii” — a new talk show that delves into the realities and resources available for those facing serious illness. Each episode features discussions on palliative care and other important health care topics, guiding families, caregivers, and patients through complex health care decisions with information and support. The show airs Thursdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. on Na Leo TV (channel 54), and episodes are available anytime as podcasts and on YouTube via our website at www.hawaiicarechoices.org.
These new programs reflect our unwavering commitment to our community, building awareness and support for those in need. By expanding our educational reach and cultivating a skilled, compassionate workforce, Hawaii Care Choices continues to make an impact that extends beyond immediate care.
This November, I invite each of you to join us in celebrating our Care Heroes, the people who make this work possible. By sharing our stories, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, we strengthen the community’s understanding of hospice and palliative care. Let’s honor the work that sustains families, lifts burdens and brings comfort in the face of life’s most challenging moments.
Brenda Ho is CEO of Hawaii Care Choices. This editorial is brought to you by Community First Hawaii a nonprofit serving as a convener and catalyst for solutions to improve health and access to health care. For more information, please visit our website at www.communityfirsthawaii.org or Facebook and Instagram pages at @communityfirsthawaii.