Kona Community Hospital News

On Friday, October 7, Kona Community Hospital employees dressed in pink attire to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. It affects one of every eight American women.

Wearing pink in October has gained popularity as support for breast cancer awareness and to encourage early detection.

“This annual event gives employees and hospital staff an opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer, which affects so many people,” said Judy Donovan, KCH Marketing Director.

On Saturday, August 27, the Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary awarded $12,000 in nursing scholarships to six local students seeking to pursue nursing careers.

The Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary nursing scholarship program annually awards up to $2000 to each recipient.  This year’s scholarship recipients included Melissa Moats, Michelle Proue, Jacqueline Sanders, Joy Woods, Ellie Kalawe and Shaylynn Fujii.

To be considered for the Auxiliary’s nursing scholarship, applicants must submit a resume, school transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a personal essay on why nursing was chosen as a career.  In addition, students must already be accepted to a nursing school. 

The Auxiliary’s goal is to provide financial assistance to nursing students, and to aide Kona Community Hospital in meeting its future nursing needs.

The KCH Auxiliary is the largest volunteer organization at the hospital. There are numerous volunteer opportunities within the hospital. They also operate the hospital Gift Shop. Monies for nursing scholarships are generated by the Auxiliary’s Friday Bake Sale, their annual Art at the Pavilion event as well as other activities.  To be a volunteer or to donate to the nursing scholarship fund, contact the Auxiliary office at 322-4577 or visit the KCH Auxiliary website.

Kona Community Hospital (KCH) is more than a place where people go to heal, it is a part of the community that fosters health and hope.  From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community. That’s the message of the 2016 National Hospital Week theme “Health Care from the Heart.”

Read moreKCH Celebrates National Hospital Week

To read the full Big Island News Now article April 06.2016 “$100,000 Grant Brings KCH Closer to New Telemetry System,” click here.

Today, the HHSC West Hawaii Region board of directors elected Frank Sayre, DDS as its new Chairman. The West Hawaii Region is comprised of Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital.

Read moreWest Hawaii Region Hospital Appoints New Board Chair

Today, Kona Community Hospital (KCH) celebrated having received international recognition as a designated Baby-Friendly Birth Facility. Kona Community Hospital is one of only three Hawaii hospitals to have received this designation.

This prestigious recognition was awarded to KCH by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc; the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (“BFHI”). The BFHI is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the

Read moreReceives Prestigious International Award

Kona Community Hospital and the HHSC West Hawaii Region regretfully announced its Board Chairman, William “Bill” Cliff, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 26 while vacationing with family. He was 75 years old.

“We’re profoundly saddened by the news of Bill’s death,” said Jay Kreuzer, Regional CEO of Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital. “As chairman of the board of the West Hawaii Region, Bill was a thoughtful leader who was deeply committed to improving health care services for the West Hawaii community. He will be greatly missed.”  

Read moreWest Hawaii Regions Mourns Death of Board Chairman

Kona Community Hospital (KCH) bid farewell today to radiation oncologist, Dr. James Lambeth as he is retiring from Hawaii Island Radiation Oncology, Ltd. and the KCH Radiation Oncology Clinic.

The hospital’s radiation oncology staff and management showered Dr. Lambeth and his wife, Phoebe, with leis and warm aloha as they shared lunch in celebration of his years of service to the West Hawaii community.  

Read moreKCH Bids Aloha to Dr. James Lambeth

To read the full West Hawaii Today January 12, 2016 “Kona Community Hospital unveils expanded Emergency Department” article by Chelsea Jensen. Click here

Read West hawaii Today article regarding new Tele Mental Health at Kona Community Hospital. Read article.