MESSAGE
FROM
PRESIDENT & CEO RAY VARA
Dear Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health Supporter ,
The growth and success of Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health in recent years has been overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic . As a society , we have been challenged by the virus in ways that were almost unimaginable before March of this year . The worldwide social and economic impact has been devastating , not only in the loss of life , but also with the economic hardship caused by businesses closing and skyrocketing unemployment . Here in Hawai ‘ i an almost complete shutdown of tourism , the economic engine that drives our local economy , has had a debilitating effect on businesses large and small .
Through it all , more than 7,000 members of the Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health family have not only persevered , but in many ways excelled . At the onset of the pandemic , Specimen Collection Sites , a COVID-19 Virtual Clinic and critical Respiratory Evaluation Clinics were stood up in a matter of days to serve the public health needs of our patients and the community . System-wide telehealth initiatives that were already in development were accelerated and put in place to protect our patients and providers . Video and phone visits are now commonplace with more than half of all clinic visits currently being done using telehealth modalities .
As the head of one of Hawai ‘ i ’ s largest health care providers , I have been personally involved in volunteer committees with government , business and community leaders to help assure the health and safety of our residents , as well as to chart a path to safely reopen our economy for residents and visitors alike . As the virus is still with us , our work is not done but significant progress has been made through a collaborative partnership for the benefit of our state .
Equally impressive is the generosity of our local community . The Aloha Spirit is alive and well in Hawai ‘ i . Since mid-March , Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health was fortunate to be the recipient of more than $ 800,000 in monetary donations for COVID-19 relief efforts . We also received many in-kind donations of food and other critical supplies . I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we were to receive this support . With so many people being challenged economically and socially , this expression of support makes the work we do truly worthwhile .
Due to your commitment and support of our mission , even during these difficult times , we continue to see the benefits of an engaged community and the positive impact it has on our facilities and , ultimately , our patients .
Here ’ s hoping that you and your families are safe as we navigate our way through these challenging times and thank you for your ongoing generosity .
Sincerely ,
Ray Vara President & CEO Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health
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