NEW LIFE FLIGHT NETWORK BASE AT

KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Kona Community Hospital (KCH) is playing a vital role in strengthening emergency medical care on Hawaii Island following the recent launch of Life Flight Network’s new air ambulance operations in November.

As part of a $27 million investment in its Hawaii operations, Life Flight Network has stationed an Airbus EC135P2+ helicopter at Kona International Airport while its crew is stationed at KCH. The air servicer has plans to transition to an advanced Airbus H145 helicopter by mid-2026.

“We welcome Life Flight Network’s expansion to Hawaii Island, where access to timely emergency care can mean the difference between life and death,” said Clayton McGhan, West Hawaii Region CEO. “Enhancing air medical transport capacity is vital for rural communities like ours.”

In addition to KCH, Life Flight Network has also established new bases in Hilo and Waimea. These sites support strategic emergency transports between hospitals and from Hawaii Island to Oahu.

“Their decision to open multiple bases here strengthens our emergency response capabilities and brings critical care closer to our rural and remote areas,” said Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “This partnership is an important step in protecting the lives of both residents and visitors.”

Life Flight Network is the nation’s largest not-for-profit air ambulance provider.

KCH WELCOMES THIRD FULL-TIME ONCOLOGY PROVIDER

Kona Community Hospital (KCH) is proud to announce the addition of Carl R. Jenson, M.D., a board-certified radiation oncologist with 41 years of clinical and research experience. KCH now has three full-time, permanent oncology providers, making it the only medical facility on the neighbor islands with a full contingent of permanent oncology providers.

Dr. Jenson will be joining Brian Erickson, M.D., Oncology Medical Director at KCH, and Matisse Dipietro, APRN at the Cancer Center at KCH. Patients can expect expert care supported by the latest technology, improved access, greater continuity with their doctors, shorter wait times, and advanced treatment close to home.

“Having three permanent oncology providers at Kona is a true blessing from a rural neighbor island standpoint,” said Amy Feeley-Austin, WHR’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.

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

For more information, visit kch.hhsc.org or call the Cancer Treatment Center at 808-322-6910.

MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

We began the year by releasing our Strategic Plan, a roadmap centered on improving quality and strengthening partnerships. It guided our work as we advanced through milestones that will shape the future of healthcare in West Hawaii for years to come.

We advanced major construction projects, including the new Infusion Center, an expanded pharmacy, and parking and administrative upgrades at KCH and Kohala Hospital (KH). We grew our workforce through new partnerships, launched our Ho‘ololi newsletter and “On Call” series, and honored our teams.

This year marked historic moments: the formation of the West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, inaugural Medical Staff Gala, KCH’s recognition in stroke care, and welcoming Life Flight Network as a critical partner. We strengthened statewide relationships, advocated at both the Hawaiʻi Legislature and

on Capitol Hill, and continued to elevate our region’s presence.

One of the most significant milestones was the announcement of the new Outpatient Care Center, developed in partnership with Queen’s. As the first facility constructed on the future Queen’s medical campus, this represents a major step toward expanding specialty care, reducing wait times, and increasing access to services for the community.

Looking ahead, we will continue our momentum by expanding imaging services, launching in-patient dialysis, and begin planning for the Emergency Department renovation.

To our staff, volunteers, partners, donors, and community: mahalo. The work ahead is meaningful and together we will continue to shape the healthcare system West Hawaii deserves.

Wishing you and your ʻohana a joyful, peaceful, and healthy holiday season.

Mahalo,

Clayton McGhan, CEO West Hawaii Region

WEST HAWAII REGION HOSPITAL FOUNDATION TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL HEALTHCARE

WHR recently launched the West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, a new nonprofit organization focused on supporting high-quality, accessible healthcare for communities across the region. Serving as the official philanthropic arm for KCH and KH, the foundation is designed to enhance the region’s healthcare system through charitable giving, community engagement, and strategic investment in key services and infrastructure.

The newly established foundation aims to fund programs, improvements, and initiatives that promote wellness, elevate patient care, and help ensure that residents and visitors continue to have access to essential healthcare services. As healthcare systems nationwide experience challenges such as evolving patient needs and potential reductions in Medicare reimbursement, the foundation will provide additional financial support to help maintain stability and foster long-term growth within the region’s hospital network.

Initial funding priorities include expanding access to primary and specialty care, supporting critical and emergency service upgrades, and advancing workforce development initiatives. A major campaign will seek $3.5 million to enhance emergency and critical care on the west side, while another effort aims to raise $500,000 to support healthcare education and training opportunities for current employees and future professionals. These initiatives are part of a broader regional approach intended to strengthen collaboration between KCH, KH and affiliated services.

“Launching a regional foundation allows us to align philanthropic investment in West Hawaii for Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital’s current and future needs with the systemwide needs of the West Hawaii 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.”

More information about the West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, including ways to contribute, is available at whrhospitalfoundation.org.

KOHALA HOSPITAL UPDATES

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY EUGENE ERGER!

KH’s long-term care resident Eugene Erger celebrated his 100th birthday on Nov. 17. A WWII veteran and lifelong public servant, Erger has supported Aloha Festivals events statewide and devoted many years to helping children.

KH marked the milestone with a celebration, where Erger received a special message from Governor Josh Green and a proclamation from Mayor Kimo Alameda declaring Nov. 17 as “Eugene Erger Day."

For latest updates and notices visit kohala.hhsc.org.

KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL UPDATES

KCH nationally recognized for providing high-quality stroke care

KCH has received two American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved and shorter recovery times.

These national recognitions highlight the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence in stroke care.

For latest updates and notices visit kch.hhsc.org.

(Photo below: KCH staff from the critical care units)

CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE

With deep gratitude, we recognize our retirees for their years of dedication, compassion, care and commitment to the patients, staff, and community of the West Hawaii Region.

KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT HAS MOVED

The Human Resources Dept. has moved: Kealakekua Business Plaza

81-980 Halekii St. Ste. 4

Kealakekua, HI 96750

Hours: Monday–Friday

8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

808-322-4458

Mahalo for your patience during this transition.

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