"It has always been my dream to get into the radiologic technology program. After I graduate, I will return to Molokaʻi where they really need me. I have a son in Molokaʻi, so it’s been emotionally and financially rough going back and forth from Oʻahu to Molokaʻi. This scholarship will really help me financially. Mahalo."
Pualani Griep, Queen’s Health Systems Native Hawaiian Health Training Scholarship recipient
(Honolulu, Hawaiʻi) — The Queen’s Health Systems has invested in the healthcare industry’s future through donating $25,000 for scholarships to KCC students enrolled in the health program.
"The Queens Native Hawaiian Health Program gave this gift because ultimately, we would like to overcome the health disparities of Native Hawaiians at Queen’s Medical Center. By developing the social capital of those who are committed to Native Hawaiians (and the people of Hawaiʻi), we are contributing to the health of the entire community.
Queens has a Native Hawaiian Health Initiative which includes a healthcare training aspect comprising of scholarships and assistance. When we first looked at the range of scholarships out there, we saw lots of support for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. We realized that we could have a lot of impact if we funded the allied health fields and the allied health program at KCC. Queen’s has a range of critical needs positions that require trained, committed staff. These KCC courses are the precursors for these positions. This scholarship builds an ideal partnership. KCC has the programs and students, and Queen’s has the need for qualified employees."
Diane Paloma, Director, Native Hawaiian Health Program
At a recent check presentation event, Dr. Gerard K. Akaka, Medical Director, Native Hawaiian Health Program and Diane S. L. Paloma, Director, Native Hawaiian Health Program, Queen’s Health Systems presented KCC scholarship recipients with their award letters, and listened to moving stories from the students about how the scholarships will assist them in their studies.
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The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawaiʻi System. The mission of the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation is to unite donors' passions with the University of Hawaiʻi’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawaiʻi and our future generations www.uhfoundation.org.
