In an effort to ensure sustainable, high-quality care for patients and families across Hawaii, six leading nonprofit hospice providers — including two on Hawaii Island — have joined forces to form the Hawaii Palliative and Hospice Care Collaborative.
The six providers are Hawaii Care Choices in Hilo, North Hawaii Hospice in Waimea, Hospice Maui, Kauai Hospice, and Navian Hawaii and St. Francis Hospice, both on Oahu.
This statewide initiative unites decades of expertise from these hospices who continue to provide compassionate palliative and hospice care to the people of Hawaii, according to a press release.
“This collaborative represents a new era for end-of-life care in Hawaii” Brenda S. Ho, CEO of Hawaii Care Choices, said in the press release. “By coming together, we are amplifying our voice, strengthening our resources, and ensuring that every community across our islands has access to care that honors the culture and preferences of each patient and their ‘ohana.”
The collaborative is driven by a shared mission to: promote awareness and access to hospice and palliative care; ensure sustainability of nonprofit, mission-driven care throughout Hawaii; foster innovation and collaboration, sharing clinical, educational and administrative expertise among providers; honor cultural diversity by offering care that reflects the unique traditions and values of Hawaii’s communities.
Together, the collaborative serves thousands of residents each year, providing comprehensive support for patients facing serious illness and their loved ones.
As the state’s population continues to age, the demand for hospice and palliative services is increasing. Although thousands of residents are eligible for hospice care, and much more could benefit from palliative services, geographic barriers and workforce shortages pose significant challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“At North Hawaii Hospice, we are dedicated to providing holistic care that respects the wishes and traditions of our local communities,” Faye Mitchell, executive director of North Hawaii Hospice, said in the release. “The formation of this collaborative is a powerful step forward for our island and for the state as a whole. By working together, we will enhance the delivery of hospice and palliative care, ensuring that all our residents, especially those in rural and remote areas, can access the care they deserve.”
