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Kona Community Hospital (KCH) is proud to congratulate the six graduates of the 2025–2026 Nurse Residency Program. Alexis Araw, Eric Gomez, Miriam Mendoza, Mayra Mendoza, Alix Nelson and Lucas Wieck were honored at a special ceremony marking the completion of their year-long professional development journey.

The Nurse Residency Program is a 12-month engagement starting in July through June and is designed to support individuals as they transition from nursing school into clinical practice. Residents complete required certifications through KCH, including the Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course, depending on their clinical department. In addition, residents receive mentorship and guidance in a supportive environment built to help new nurses develop confidence and clinical skills.

Throughout the program, residents have the opportunity to practice their skills, discuss challenging experiences, debrief patient care situations, and deepen their clinical knowledge. They expand their understanding of not just the “how” but the “why” behind patient care and clinical decision-making.

During the celebration, residents presented research-based projects in groups of three, demonstrating the critical thinking, clinical growth and professional development they cultivated throughout the program. The ceremony recognized each resident’s dedication, accomplishments, and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.

West Hawaii Region is honored to train individuals with compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to providing care. The program provides valuable experience and prepares residents for the next steps in their careers. We look forward to the meaningful impact they will have on every patient, their team, and our community. Congratulations to the 2025–2026 Nurse Residency Program graduates!

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaiʻi – West Hawaii Region of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) today expressed deep appreciation to Governor Josh Green, Senator Dru Kanuha, Representative Nicole Lowen, Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, and the leadership and members of the House Finance Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee for their support in securing $50 million in the state budget for the Outpatient Care Center.

“I have long supported efforts to expand health care capacity in West Hawaiʻi, and I’m proud the Legislature recognized the importance of maintaining this project in the state budget,” said  Governor Josh Green. “This investment is an important step toward building a stronger, more resilient health care system that meets the growing needs of the community.”

The funding, finalized with passage of the state budget, represents a significant investment in expanding access to essential outpatient services and strengthening the health care system for residents of West Hawaiʻi.

“This investment is a powerful commitment to the people oh Hawai‘i island,” said Clayton McGhan, CEO of the West Hawaii Region, HHSC. “It allows us to expand outpatient capacity and ensure that more residents can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home.”

The Outpatient Care Center has been a longstanding priority for West Hawaii Region, addressing critical needs for expanded outpatient services and reducing barriers to care for families. Securing and preserving funding required a sustained advocacy and leadership throughout the legislative session.

“Delivering this $50 million investment for West Hawaiʻi is the result of strong collaboration and a shared commitment to our community,” said Senator Dru Kanuha. “This investment
creates a catalyst for the health care infrastructure needed to meet the growing demands of the region.”

West Hawaiʻi Region also thanked the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means Committees for recognizing the importance of the project and maintaining their support through complex budget deliberations.

“For years I have fought to improve health care in West Hawaii because I have heard from district residents about the lack of specialists, long travel times, and limited access to essential services, said Representative Nicole Lowen. “This funding is about more than a building; it is the anchor that will lead to a new hospital in North Kona, and will ensure the continued improvement of our health care capacity and services well into the future”

“In a rural community like West Hawaiʻi, access to health care is not guaranteed, it is something we have to intentionally invest in and fight for, said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa. “This funding for the Outpatient Care Center is a critical step toward ensuring our families can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home. It reflects our commitment to health equity and to meeting our community where they are.”

The Outpatient Care Center will further strengthen a public-private partnership between the State of Hawaiʻi and The Queen’s Health Systems. With the state’s investment in the Outpatient Care Center and Queen’s development of its hospital, the collaboration will deliver a more comprehensive and coordinated system of care for West Hawaiʻi.

“By pairing state investment with private development, we are maximizing the impact of public funds and building a more resilient health care system for our community,” Jason Chang, President and CEO of The Queen’s Health Systems, said. “This project will improve access, enhance health outcomes, and support the long term well being of our West Hawai‘i residents. We are incredibly thankful to area legislators, Governor Green, and the entire legislature for their investment in the health care of our state.”

KEALAKEKUA, HAWAI‘I – West Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) held a blessing ceremony Friday, Feb. 6 to celebrate its newly expanded Infusion Center at Kona Community Hospital. The new center doubles the treatment capacity and strengthens access to infusion and oncology services for West Hawai‘i Residents. It is designed to improve patient comfort, privacy, and continuity of care while allowing more treatments to be delivered locally, and close to home. “We are grateful for the community partnerships and the Legislature’s support behind this expansion,” said McGhan. “The transformation of this space reflects our commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, that we continue to provide for every patient, every day.”

The expanded Infusion Center is in response to the growing demand for infusion and oncology services in West Hawai‘i and reflects the region’s commitment to expanding access to care while enhancing the patient experience. The center doubles the treatment capacity from six to 12 infusion chairs and enhances patient comfort with privacy barriers between areas.

The facility includes a negative-pressure isolation room designed to accommodate higher risk patients and procedures previously performed in the surgical suite due to space constraints. By relocating these services to the Infusion Center, Kona Community Hospital is improving its convenience and continuity of care for patients. The center also features a dedicated waiting area for families, along with ADA-compliant restrooms, creating a more accessible, supportive, patient-centered environment.

“The expanded Infusion Center is a meaningful investment in West Hawaiʻi’s health care infrastructure,” said Senator Dru Kanuha. “By increasing capacity and improving access to critical outpatient services, this project helps ensure our residents can receive high-quality care in their own community. I’m proud of the Legislature’s support for this effort and grateful to the health care teams who serve our community every day.”

During the blessing remarks were provided by Clayton McGhan, CEO of West Hawaii Region of HHSC, Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, and Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, who reflected on the transformation of the space and its significance for the community. Remarks were also provided by Joshua Stolaroff, grandson of Milton and Ursula Stolaro, whose foundation had donated a sizeable amount toward the project.

THE QUEEN’S HEALTH SYSTEMS AND HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION JOIN FORCES TO SIGNIFICANTLY EXPAND HEALTH CARE ACCESS ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND
Public-Private Partnership Seeks to Develop New Outpatient Care Center in Kona

HONOLULU – In a landmark partnership, Hawai‘i’s largest private health care organization has teamed up with the state’s provider of acute and long-term care across the islands to improve health care delivery in the growing west region of Hawaiʻi Island.

The Queen’s Health Systems (Queen’s) and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop an Outpatient Care Center in Kona that will house clinical services and office space and ensure continuity of care for patients throughout the community. Under this collaboration, Queen’s will donate approximately three to five acres of land to HHSC’s West Hawaii Region as the future site of a 50,000+-square-foot medical facility adjacent to the new hospital that Queen’s has already announced it is building.

“This new Outpatient Care Center will provide a seamless transition between inpatient and outpatient care, while creating a one-stop hub for primary and specialty care services that will reduce wait and travel times for patients,” said Jason Chang, President and CEO, The Queen’s Health Systems. “We are pleased to enter into this partnership with the state to deliver the care this community needs.”

HHSC is asking for an initial $50 million in state funding support for the planning, design, and site work of the new facility. As the project progresses, additional funding requests are expected to ensure the facility’s completion.

“This partnership represents exactly the kind of investment Hawai‘i Island needs and deserves,” said Governor Green. “By joining forces, Queen’s and HHSC are expanding access to primary and specialty care, reducing travel and wait times, and strengthening the healthcare workforce in West Hawai‘i. The state is proud to support this effort, and this new Outpatient Care Center will bring us closer to ensuring every family can receive high-quality care in their own community.”

This historic public-private partnership represents a unique opportunity to expand access to essential health care services for a growing community, made possible through a shared investment between the state and Queen’s.

“We are always exploring ways to improve health care delivery, with our focus being on strengthening access, addressing physician shortages, and keeping care local,” said Clayton McGhan, CEO, West Hawaii Region, HHSC. “Patients have already begun seeing the benefit of our collaboration, as Queen’s surgeons are now rotating at Kona Community Hospital. Together, we are working to recruit much-needed providers and expand specialty care, and our planned Outpatient Care Center is a crucial component of our joint efforts.”

The new Outpatient Care Center will be located in the central part of Kailua-Kona to ensure area patients have easy access to services. The construction of the new medical center is expected to provide jobs and once completed will enhance West Hawaii Region’s ability to attract and retain providers at a time when the region is facing a critical physician shortage.

Kona Community Hospital nationally recognized for quality stroke care : Big Island Now

Kona Community Hospital received national recognition for its commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based stroke care close to home.

The South Kona facility, part of the West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation, was awarded two American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Kona Community Hospital, or KCH, saw about 155 stroke cases through its Emergency Department in the past year, with approximately 75% of those originating in the community before hospital arrival, underscoring the importance of the guidelines to improve outcomes for patients in the long term, according to a news release from the hospital.

“Receiving this award reflects our commitment to our patients and our community,” shared Diane Hale, Chief Nurse Executive for the West Hawai‘i Region. “It affirms our dedication to improving patient outcomes by following the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines. Our next goal is to sustain this level of excellence and continue striving for the highest recognition possible, because that’s what our community deserves.”

“When we were submitting the data,” said Regina Leon, Director of Critical Care at KCH, “we were just focused on doing our best to elevate care and outcomes for our patients. But actually receiving this recognition validates the effort we’ve put into this. This was a team approach and is only made possible when we all work together.”

Hospitals in the Get With The Guidelines program adhere to the latest, research-based standards that improve survival, minimize disability, and accelerate recovery. Leon explained that the Association’s evidence-based guidelines are crucial for improving patient outcomes after stroke.

“When strokes occur in the community, patients may experience loss of motor skills, like the ability to walk or having slurred speech,” Leon said. “The guidelines help us deliver care that gives patients the best chance at regaining mobility and independence in recovery.”

These national recognitions highlight the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence in stroke care, particularly in a rural community where timely intervention can mean the difference between long-term disability and recovery.

Steven Messe, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group, said the organization is happy to recognize KCH and its commitment to caring for patients with stroke.

“Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families, and communities,” Messe said.

Kona, Hawaiʻi — Oct. 28, 2025– The West Hawaiʻi Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation which includes the Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital, has launched the West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, a new nonprofit organization designed to strengthen the region’s healthcare delivery system through philanthropy and community partnership. As the official foundation of the West Hawaii Region, the organization will serve as the philanthropic arm for both hospitals—raising funds to support facility improvements, new services, and healthcare education programs that strengthen the regional system of care.

The Foundation’s mission is to fund programs, services, and improvements that enhance patient care, promote wellness, and ensure access for all.

As the healthcare landscape faces ongoing challenges, including potential reductions in Medicare reimbursement, the Foundation will play a vital role in providing supplemental funding to ensure stability and growth for the West Hawaiʻi Region’s hospitals and outpatient services.

Key Priorities Include:
• Expansion of New Sites & Services: Funding strategic initiatives that increase access to specialty and primary care across the region.
• Supporting Critical, Emergent Needs: A campaign to raise 3.5 million dollars to improve emergency services and critical care for the West Side.
• Healthcare Academy: A campaign to raise $500,000 to support workforce development, including educational opportunities for existing employees and students pursuing the healthcare glidepath.
• Regional Approach: Strengthening collaboration across Kona Community Hospital, Kohala Hospital, and affiliated services to maximize impact and avoid duplication of resources.

“Launching a regional foundation allows us to align philanthropic investment in West Hawaii for Kona Community and Kohala Hospital’s current and future needs with the systemwide needs of the West Hawaiʻi Region,” said Amy Feeley-Austin, Chair of the Foundation. “This coordinated approach ensures that community support translates into sustainable healthcare solutions for generations to come.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.whrhospitalfoundation.org or contact Amy Feeley-Austin at amy@whrhospitalfoundation.org or at 808.322.5866.

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST WITH DECADES OF EXPERIENCE JOINS KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL TO HELP CANCER PATIENTS ON HAWAII ISLAND

Kona Community Hospital expands oncology services with full-time radiation oncologist : Big Island Now

KEALAKEKUA – West Hawaii Region is pleased to announce that Carl R. Jenson, M.D., a board-certified radiation oncologist with 41 years of clinical and research experience, is joining Kona Community Hospital (KCH) as a full-time, permanent provider.

“I’m very happy to be part of the cancer center at this wonderful hospital,” said Dr. Jenson.

He will be one of three permanent oncology providers serving patients at KCH, which is the only medical facility on the neighbor islands with a full contingent of permanent oncology providers.

“Having three permanent oncology providers at Kona is a true blessing from a rural neighbor island standpoint,” said Amy Feeley-Austin, KCH’s Chief Operating Officer. “This is demonstrative of the major strides that we’re making in recruiting and retaining skilled providers.”

Dr. Jenson moved to Hawaii Island from Oregon, where he had been working for the past four years as a radiation oncologist and medical director at Bay Area Hospital – Radiation Therapy Center in Coos Bay, and as a radiation oncologist and clinical liaison at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

Since relocating to West Hawaii, Dr. Jenson has been caring for oncology patients at KCH on a temporary, “visiting provider” basis, and he is now joining the team permanently.

“So far, I have enjoyed teaming up with KCH’s skilled medical oncology providers and surgeons to care for our patients,” said Dr. Jenson. “The staff here is fantastic, and I am delighted to become a permanent part of the team.”

“This is a provider who is already very well-liked by patients and staff – a compassionate, genuine physician that will stay in our community for a number of years. This permanency is particularly important to cancer patients and survivors who will see their providers frequently and on an ongoing basis,” said Feeley-Austin. “Patients going through challenging, life-changing events like cancer treatment need to know and trust their doctor. Our patients really appreciate forming a relationship and knowing their doctors will be there for the long haul. From my perspective, the addition of Dr. Jenson ensures continuity of care.”

Dr. Jenson has also previously worked in Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan, and Washington in both medical and leadership roles.

He received his Doctor of Medicine degree in radiation oncology from Oregon Health & Science University and completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Community events in Hawai’i aim to raise awareness for suicide prevention

August 26, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST

Suicide is a persistent public health concern in Hawaiʻi, ranking as the second-leading cause of fatal injuries.

Recent data reveals that nearly four Hawaiʻi residents die by suicide every week, with 1,056 lives lost between 2019 and 2023. Each suicide and suicide attempt has lasting emotional, mental, physical, and economic impacts on families and communities. According to the data:

• Men account for more than 76% of suicide deaths in Hawaiʻi.
• Men ages 30 to 59 face the highest risk of dying by suicide.
• Young women ages 15 to 19 have the highest rates of suicide attempts.

These disparities highlight the need for multifaceted prevention strategies, resources, and cross-sector collaborations to create hope through action.

The state of Hawaiʻi recognizes September as “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month,” with Sept. 10 observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day. Throughout the month, suicide prevention partners and advocates—representing state, community, and the military—will conduct a multitude of events across the state to increase public awareness, reduce stigma, increase connectedness, and promote healing.

Together with Veterans Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Island Prevent Suicide Task Force are hosting a majority of the seven events scheduled to recognize the month, which include:

• 2nd Annual Veteran Resource Fair on Aug. 30: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i is hosting the fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
  For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• SafeTALK on Sept. 8: Hawaiʻi Island Prevent Suicide Task Force is hosting a free suicide prevention training from 12 to 4 p.m.
  For information, email hipreventsuicide@gmail.com.
• “How to Have the Uncomfortable Conversation” on Sept. 12: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i and The Guardian Foundation is hosting the talk story from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Ka‘ū.
  For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• Adult Mental Health First Aid on Sept. 15: A free training by Child and Family Services, with funds from the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, at the University of Hawai‘i Hilo.
  For information, email mbell@cfs-hawaii.org.
• Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk on Sept. 20: The walk will be at the Makaʻeo Walking Path at the Old Kona Airport Beach Park from 9 to 11 a.m.
  Hosted by the Kona Community Hospital, Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center, Hospice of Kona, and County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation
• Any is Too Many Suicide Awareness Sign Waving Campaign on Sept. 22: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i and American Legion Post 3 will host the sign waving from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Bayfront Highway across from the King Kamehameha statute in Hilo.
  For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• Sign waving on Sept. 27: Hawai‘i Island Prevent Suicide Task Force will host the sign waving on the Bayfront Lawn on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. F
  For information, email hipreventsuicide@gmail.com.

“Behind every statistic is a life cut short, leaving behind a family forever changed. While the numbers can feel overwhelming, they remind us why this work is so critical,” said Gov. Josh Green. “Through initiatives like the ‘Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide’ and the dedicated efforts of our state agencies and community partners, we are committed to saving lives and supporting those in crisis.”

“Every person we reach, every connection we make, and every resource we can provide brings us closer to a future where fewer families in Hawaiʻi experience this devastating loss,” he continued.

Dennis Hida, chair of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hawaiʻi Chapter, stated that the organization has a goal to reduce suicide by 25% in Hawaiʻi, which will be accomplished by raising awareness of suicide prevention, helping to fund critical research, advocating for vital resources, and being a safe place where people are supported and better understood.

“Suicide prevention has to be a shared responsibility,” said Renee Yu, suicide prevention coordinator for the Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch. “Connection is the most powerful suicide prevention tool. By strengthening our connections to each other, our communities, and our land, we will save lives.”

The 2023 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed some key findings:

• Of public middle school students, about 34% have felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, causing them to stop doing some usual activities; about 26% have seriously thought about killing themselves.
• Of public high school students, in the past 12 months, about 35% felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, causing them to stop doing some usual activities; about 16% have seriously considered attempting suicide.

“Too many of our keiki feel like they don’t know how to get the help they need,” said Keli Acquaro, administrator for the Department of Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division. “Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported when it comes to their mental health. Show the young people in your life that their mental health matters—listen without judgment, offer support, and remind them they are not alone.”

“In the embrace of community and the strength of culture, we connect to care,” said Deborah Goebert, co-chair for Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Task Force, “offering hope, extending help, and fostering healing. Together, we collaborate to prevent suicide.”

If you are struggling, help is a call, text, or chat away. Resources available include:

• Hawai‘i CARES 988: Call or text 988, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  A free and anonymous crisis, mental health and substance use call center.
  Locally trained and qualified staff provide supportive counseling and screening for urgent or emergent mental health or substance use needs, recommendations for behavioral health assessments, services and crisis interventions.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hawai‘i Chapter: An organization that brings people together from all backgrounds to prevent suicide and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
• Hawai‘i Poison Center: Call 1-800-222-1222 for poisoning emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Free, anonymous online suicide prevention training
• Prevent Suicide Hawai‘i Task Force