September 2022 eNewsletter | |
Thank you to all of our amazing health care professionals and your incredible contributions to caring for our community
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Aloha Jeannette,
Congratulations to our Little League World Champions!
We hope you can join the the Downtown Art Center for their events over the next two weeks (more below). Please join us a for two Kōkua Mau events: a pediatric case discussion on 9/21 and a presentation on Prognostication by Dr. Daniel Fischberg on 9/29. Details and registration below.
And now is a good time to join Kōkua Mau or renew your membership. Your dues helps to strengthen and expand our work. Details below and Mahalo!
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Congratulations to Hope Young, our amazing Advance Care Planning Coordinator, for 5 years with Kōkua Mau!
This virtual lei as a mahalo for all you do for Kōkua Mau and our community...
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Wed 9/21 Palliative Pupus
You are invited to join us Palliative Pupus, our exciting local networking and clinical education opportunity. If you are involved with palliative care cases or would like to learn what palliative care actually is, you are invited.
This month our colleagues at Kapiʻolani will present a pediatric case. Details about the case for Palliative Pupus will be announced in the next newsletter.
Wed. Sept 21
5:15 pm – 7:00 pm
Register in advance for Palliative Pupus zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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9/29 Prognostication at our Kōkua Mau (zoom) Meeting
Our very own Kōkua Mau Board president Dr. Daniel Fischberg will present about Prognostication
Thur Sept 29
3:00-5 PM
Estimating and communicating prognosis, while often challenging, is often an essential part of care for those living with serious illness. Patients, family members, and providers, all need good prognostic information on which to base important decisions. In this introductory presentation on the subject, we will cover the following learning objectives:
- Describe aspects of prognostication
- Review general guidance when discussing prognosis
- List tools and special considerations for a variety of situations
Register here in advance. After registering, you immediately receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the zoom meeting.
Join our monthly Kōkua Mau Meeting to network with colleagues, share your updates and hear about what is happening across the state to improve care for those with serious illness.
If you have announcements to share, please let Jeannette know
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Downtown Arts Center Events Aug/Sept
The Downtown Arts Center (DAC) announces the DAC Art Show from:
Aug 30 to Sept 10, 2022
Tues-Sun, 11a.m-6p.m.
In addition, it features the launch of the new DACArts Magazine and the DACʻs new book: Courage Poured Into My Heart: Stories of Grief, Hope and Love. Look for Felicia Marquez-Wong, who is instrumental in these creative projects.
We've all grieved - felt loss, longing, regret, things done, things undone. Were companions. We've all been there. We share often familiar yesterdays and todays ... and maybe even tomorrows.
Let's recall, cope, and heal. These stories, art and insight will offer new horizons as we look back ... and forward.
Come and celebrate these milestones at:
First Friday Reception:
Fri Sept 2
5:30-8 PM
First Sunday Special Reception: Courage Poured Into My Heart
Sun Sept 4
1-5 PM
We are creating community murals for Honolulu's International Dot Day celebration and as part of our Grief Art Sunday. With all that is going on and the uncertainty of our world - now is the time to make art for art's sake - be part of something more than ourselves! Re-discover the power and potential of creativity in all we do.
- Start with a 4 inch circle on cardstock paper.
- On side one - create - intricate, crazy, awe-inspiring or simple - infinite possibilities.
- On side two - write a simple positive and encouraging message for yourself or someone else.
Have FUN. Cut loose and unleash your inner creativity with as much passion as you can muster! Give yourself permission to create with abandon. Be amazed.
Celebrate!!! Creativity and Community: International Dot Day
Sept 4, 2022
1-5 pm
Downtown Arts Center (and parking information)
1011 Nuʻuaan Ave, Second F, Honolulu, Hawaii
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Mon 9/12 Making Connections: Caring for Jewish Patients at End of Life |
This experiential workshop is designed to support chaplains of different spiritual traditions who serve Jewish patients in acute care settings, especially at end of life.
Mon Sept 12
2:00-3:30p HST
Online, a Maximum of 50 participants
Cost: $27-$9 (more information in the link)
With 3500+ years of history, Judaism contains a set of religious, spiritual, and cultural understandings. Participants will gain a greater understanding of the spiritual lives of their Jewish patients, including core ethics and beliefs in the context of dying, as well as tools and resources for serving Jewish patients and their families in the tender space of end of life. This workshop will be recorded and shared with all participants following the session. More information and registration form. | |
9/24 Hawaii Health Workforce Summit Registration | |
Registration is now live for the 2022 hybrid Hawaii Health Workforce Summit: Creating lasting solutions - Effecting real change
Sept. 24, Hilton Hawaiian Village
8:00am to 5:00pm
Registration is now open. More information and full agenda on their website.
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Kōkua Mau on HPR's The Body Show | |
Palliative Care and Hospice was the topic two weeks ago on ʻThe Body Showʻ at HPR with Dr. Kathleen Kozak and yours truly Jeannette Koijane.
Advanced Care Directives and POLST was last week's ʻThe Body Showʻ at HPR with Dr. Kathleen Kozak and Hope Young our Advance Care Coordinator.
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Our partner Pacific Health Ministry has Office Space Available | |
Office Space Available! Affordable and Convenient Office Space is available on Young Street near Piʻikoi and Keʻeaumoku Streets.
- Air conditioned Building
- Covered Parking
Please call Patricia Camero at Pacific Health Ministry: (808) 591-6556
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New Resource: Audio Version of the Starter Guide |
Our long time partner, the Conversation Project, has created audio versions of their Starter Guides. Subjects available on audio include:
These guides are between 14-19 minutes long, and are a great alternative for individuals who prefer using audio tools. The audio guides are currently listed with the other guides. | |
Join or renew your membership now |
Thank You supporters and members for keeping Kōkua Mau strong and serving our community. Since 1999, Kōkua Mau has been a voice for outstanding care and services in Hawaiʻi supporting those with serious illness, their loved ones and those who care for them.
Now is a great time in 2022 to renew your membership or join Kōkua Mau as a first-time member. Your support is what makes Kōkua Mau possible. We thank you for being part of our movement to improve care. Wondering when your membership runs out? Just send Jeannette an email and she can let you know.
Membership of individuals and organizations empower us to do our work. Your financial support is crucial: we raise every penny we spend (with your help). Our Organizational and Individual members supporting us are listed on our website.
5 easy options to support us
We have a rolling membership system so if you join now, your membership will last for the next 12 months. Click here for membership levels
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Donate with PayPal Giving Fund and 100% of the amount will be donated to Kōkua Mau with a few clicks. Click here for the dedicated PayPal link
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Go online using Network for Good and donate with a credit card (with a fee). You can set up a monthly recurring donation, by spreading payments out throughout the year and making it easier for us to plan.
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Through Aloha United Way – Designation Code 80410
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Benevity – please check if your employer (like United HealthCare) offers matching donations through the Benevity platform.
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A check in the US postal mail – 3 steps:
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One: Payable to ‘Kōkua Mau‘ and put ‘membership‘ in the memo field
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Two: Address to: Kōkua Mau • PO Box 62155 • Honolulu HI 96839
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Three: Stick on a stamp and put in the mailboxdroppable-1654552997787
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Welcome two new Kōkua Mau Board Members: | Please join us welcoming two new board members with our virtual lei. We thank them for sharing their expertise and experience and helping us to strengthen our ties to the neighbor islands: |
Katherine Brooks, MHA, BSN, Executive Director, North Hawaii Hospice
Originally from Southern California, Katherine received her master’s degree in health care administration from Georgetown University. She began her career in nursing as an oncology nurse at St. John’s Hospital and Health Center in Santa Monica, California. She worked for many years as a leader for various healthcare organizations including 10 years in Washington, D.C., with a national healthcare trade association advocating for changes in Medicare policy. She has lived in Hawaii since 2006 and enjoys ocean swimming and SCUBA diving.
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Tricia-Lynn Kalanihoʻokaha Yamashita, MPH, Executive Director, Kauaʻi Hospice
Tricia-Lynn Kalanihoʻokaha Yamashita holds a master’s in public health from Hawaii Pacific University, and an undergraduate in criminal justice at Chaminade University, Tricia was born and raised in Kailua, Oʻahu and has called Kauaʻi home with her husband & 3 sons since 2002.
Tricia joined Kauaʻi Hospice in 2011 bringing more than 15 years, in contracts, grants, program development and human resources, promoted to Executive Director in 2019 leading the organization to financial stability through a pandemic. Tricia made the decision to transition to hospice work after experiencing the death of her grandmother in hospice care on Oʻahu in a hospice house in Kailua. “Seeing the peace & care that a hospice home brought to my mother, her siblings and us grandchildren…to no longer worry about who was doing what, but instead be present with my grandma as she approached her end-of-life, was a gift that none of us knew we needed at the time – but it changed our lives and my life’s work. I am blessed to be doing this work”.
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A lei of Aloha for Dr. Rae Seitz! | |
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Dr. Rae Seitz, Palliative Care Specialist
Many thanks to Dr. Rae Seitz for her many years of service on the Kōkua Mau board since our early days over 20 years ago and tirelessly building palliative care at Kaiser and HMSA as the leader for Supportive Care in Hawaiʻi. We wish her all the best on her new endeavor with Hui Pohala to improve access to high quality Palliative Care in Hawaiʻi. Our Board President Dr. Daniel Fischberg said it best: “We hope they succeed brilliantly."
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Access to Care in Hawaiʻi (and its future?) | |
Healthcare in Hawaii paints a bleak picture. Our partners on Hawai‘i Island, Community First, shared the results of their statewide survey on Healthcare from nearly 3,300 Hawaiʻi residents, along with input from more than 300 health care providers statewide in April and May. You can read the full report here https://communityfirsthawaii.org/access-to-care/. (Scroll down on the page for a summary and a complete report.)
The link to a Civil Beat Article on the findings: Survey: Doctor Shortages Lead To Health Care Delays In Hawaii.
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Integrated Health Hawaii (IHH) is conducting this needs assessment to determine if social workers or healthcare workers would like a CE program for Care Coordination.
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KCC seeking Instructors for CNA classes | Kapiʻolani Community College is looking for instructors for their CNA classes. Requirements: RN for at least 2 years and Long Term Care background for at least 1 year. Contact Martin Chong, Health Education Program Coordinator at martincs@hawaii.edu or 808-734-9540. | |
4th Sunday - Free Medical Aid in Dying Bereavement Support Group | |
This support group is specifically for loved ones of those who have chosen Medical Aid in Dying in Hawaiʻi. Facilitated by Leilani Maxera, LCSW and Joy Rodriguez, End of Life Doula.
4th Sunday of the month
6PM over zoom (please note new 6 PM time)
Zoom from anywhere into a space held to process feelings created by the unique experience of walking beside someone who utilized Hawaiʻi’s Our Care, Our Choice Act.
To register please email joydrodriguez@yahoo.com or call (808) 853-0621
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Medicine meets microphones: Lessons in listening from StoryCorps and Providence | The Humanizing Healthcare Expert Series session hosted by the Providence Institute for Human Caring, in collaboration with StoryCorps, the nation's oldest oral history project. "Medicine meets microphones: Lessons in listening from StoryCorps and Providence" (Recording available soon?) | |
Resource: Caring for People with Serious Illness |
Caring for People with Serious Illness: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Proceedings of a Workshop.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted existing weaknesses in the United States health care system, while creating a new set of challenges related to caring for people with serious illness. The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Roundtable on Quality Care for People with Serious Illness hosted a three-part workshop to explore the initial responses to the pandemic. Download the PDF or read for free at The National Academies Press website. | |
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Launched July 16th |
Since, July 16th people in mental health crisis will have a new way to reach out for help. Instead of dialing the current 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, they can simply call or text the numbers 9-8-8.
Modeled after 911, the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional.
Users who dial 988 from the 808 area code will reach the Hawaii Department of Health’s Hawaii CARES (website not updated yet) crisis helpline, with access to crisis services, including suicide prevention, mental and emotional health support and substance abuse support. (People who call 988 from other area codes will be connected with a crisis center in another state.) | |
Resource: When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love and Legacy | |
The Funeral Service Foundation and the Collaborative of National Pediatric Care Coalitions worked together to create “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love and Legacy.”
The booklet is the outgrowth of a multi-year project that begun in 2018. “The booklet offers guidance and inspiration to help these families who experience the death of their child say goodbye in a way that is meaningful and important to their path forward.” In May, there was a webinar on ways to use the booklet.
Links are to order the booklet and the free webinar on its use. Watch the recording.
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Resource: End-of-life care considerations for LGBTQ+ older adults
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Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) Webinars
July 7 and July 21 recordings are available. Click here. NHPCO and AAHPM are partnering on a complimentary two-part webinar series (with CEUs) designed to provide practical cases and tools to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Executive Office on Aging still needs your help to assess the needs of your community |
The Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging (EOA) is requesting your assistance and participation with two surveys to help us assess needs in the community. The findings will shape and improve Hawaii’s programs and services to meet the needs of Hawaii’s older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers.
EOA developed two (2) separate surveys to assess the needs of Hawaii older adults and/or persons with disabilities and Hawaii’s caregivers. The first survey entitled, “Aging in Hawaii” looks at issues faced by you, our kūpuna, and tomorrow’s older adults. The second survey looks at issues faced by Hawaii’s caregivers.
Responses to all the surveys are strictly confidential, voluntary, and anonymous. The information will help identify needs in our communities and shape the development of our State Plan on Aging. Each survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
To access the survey for Aging in Hawaii, please click on the following link:
To access the Hawaii survey for caregivers, please click on the following link:
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On the July 7 NHPCO/AAHPM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion webinar (see below), there were some excellent resources shared. We have looked at some but not all so welcome your feedback on what we should list on our website and share with the coalition.
DEI Resources from American Academy for Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), including practical strategies, opinions and perspectives and a resource portal DEI Resources | AAHPM
Diversity resources from National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO.) This includes the Inclusion and Access Toolkits and several specialized outreach guides Diversity | NHPCO
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Mrs. Jones Gave Me the ‘Ah-Ha’ Moment That Guided My Entire Nursing Career | |
5 Tips for People Living with Serious Illness Who are LGBTQ+ Resource |
June was Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s voices, culture, and civil rights. In honor of Pride, GetPalliativeCare.org spoke with Dr. Noelle Marie Javier, who is a palliative care doctor and a woman of transgender experience. She works with patients every day who are living with serious illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.
In GetPalliativeCare.org's conversation with Dr. Javier, she shared a few things that people who identify as LGBTQ+ may want to keep in mind when visiting a palliative care doctor (or any other doctor, really!). Read the full interview. | |
Palliative Care - Extra Support for people with Cancer Recording available |
This special presentation is a partnership of Kokua Mau and the Quality of Life committee of the Cancer Coalition to help individuals living with cancer, their families and their caregivers, as well as healthcare providers who want to learn more about how Palliative Care can support individuals with serious illness. Recording available.
Presenters:
- Dr. Daniel Fischberg, Medical Director, Pain & Palliative Care Department, The Queen’s Medical Center
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Sara-May Colón, Chaplain at Adventist Health.
- Hear a conversation with Andrea Bacos about her “Caregiver’s Journey” with Palliative Care.
- Jeannette Koijane, Executive Director, Kōkua Mau: Where to find Palliative Care in Hawaii
This session helps people learn about what palliative care is, who the team is, and what services are included. We will also cover the difference between palliative care and hospice, where to get palliative care and what else is happening with palliative care in Hawaii.
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A Caregiver's Journey with Palliative Care - New Video | A moving caretaker’ testimony about Andrea Bacos and her husband’s cancer journey and palliative care on our YouTube channel. Living on Maui she talks story how they accessed palliative care in Honolulu and at home. | |
Free Resource: Palliative Care Fast Facts |
Are you getting this great free resource? Published every Friday by the Palliative Care Network of Wisconsin “Palliative Care Fast Facts" are edited by Sean Marks, MD; Associate Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Other topics include:pain, non-pain symptoms, communication, prognosis, hospice, Palliative Care consultation, etc. You can see a complete listing and/or sign up at https://www.mypcnow.org/fast-facts/
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4th Wed - New online support space - Heavily Yours |
Heavily Yours is a free online support group for people working with the dying and the dead. We will be gathering monthly
4th Wednesday of the month
4pm HST
All folks in deathcare are welcome! This means you, death doulas, funeral directors, hospice volunteers, palliative care folks, caretakers, etc. It is open to both medical and non-medical professionals, community workers, and volunteers.
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Palliative Social Work Book |
Announcing the forthcoming publication of "Oxford textbook on palliative social work", second edition. Co-edited by UH alum and Kōkua Mau member Shirley Otis-Green. It features a chapter on Palliative Care, social work and the Pacific Basin by Yvonne Duhaylongsod Yim, PhD, LCSW (NASW-HI Chapter President), Luana Yoshikawa Scanlan, MBA of the American Samoan Cancer Community Coalition, and Prof. Lana Sue I Kaʻopua, PhD, DCSW, LSW. There are discounts for those who purchase the book early and you can find it via Shirley's website http://collaborativecaring.net/resources Congratulations!!
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Job Board - by Member Organizations |
Please note: We post positions and career opportunities that have been submitted to us by our members, with the request to share them in our network, on our website and our newsletter. ******
Hawai‘i Care Choices in Hilo, Hawai‘i is seeking a variety of experienced and compassionate professionals to provide the highest quality care and support for our patients and their loved ones. They offer an arry of benefits, a supportive work environment and seek to maintain an organizational culture that inspires and engages employees.
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New resource: Generalist Palliative Care Resource Center |
The resource center includes project profiles for each of the 9 public health care systems that participated in the implementation phase, with specifics of what they did, how they did it, and what they learned.
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New Videos on our Kōkua Mau YouTube Channel |
In case you missed our meetings or reports from 2020-22, we add new videos our YouTube channel:
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Aloha,
Jeannette Koijane and Hope Young
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Useful quick links to Kōkua Mau Topics | | | | | |
