Edge Runner from the American Academy of Nursing
In 2023, the Hawaii Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn Program was designated as an Edge Runner by the American Academy of Nursing. Edge Runners are evidence-based, nurse-designed models that demonstrate significant clinical, financial, community, and policy outcomes with proven sustainability and replicability. Each of these programs highlights nurses’ ingenuity and collaboration in developing new methods to provide care and promote health. Visit the American Academy of Nursing to view all Edge Runner profiles. Read the Hawaii Keiki Edge Runner press release.
School Nurse Day Proclamation
Hawaii Governor Josh Green issued a proclamation recognizing National School Nurse Day on May 8, 2024. In a ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024, Gov. Green presented the proclamation to the Hawaii Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn Program, UH Manoa Nursing, the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) and the Hawaii Department of Health’s Public Health Nursing Branch. Hawaii Keiki is the largest school nursing program in the State of Hawaii, with more than 50 school nurses in public schools. National School Nurses Day highlights the unique contribution of school nurses and how students, families and the larger community in Hawaii can benefit from having easier access to equitable healthcare. It is a testament to the tremendous impact school nurses have on Hawaii communities and why the need for more school nurses is pertinent for a healthier future. Read the Proclamation news story.
GRIT Award
The School-Based Health Alliance, a national non-profit organization has awarded the Hawaii Keiki team on Maui with its inaugural GRIT award for their work following the fires on August 8, 2023. The GRIT award recognizes those working in school health who are Genuine, Resilient, Innovative, & Tenacious. During the Maui fires, over 100 lives were lost and 10,000 residents were displaced, including 3,000 public school students. As families and students were scattered across the island, Hawaii Keiki’s Maui team of 20 sprang into action to ensure access to care for these students. The staff, consisting of nurses and health technicians, assisted in shelters, triaged patients, refilled prescriptions, worked our health hotline, provided virtual visits, and supported each other and their communities. The Maui team displayed true resilience, tenacity, and compassion in caring for the Maui community, even when they were personally impacted as well and continue to do so as the community begins healing and rebuilding their lives. Read the Award news story.
Healthcare Innovation Fire Award
Pacific Business News announced Hawaii Keiki Healthy and Ready to Learn program as one of the seven winners of their 2024 Fire Awards. Hawaii Keiki was recognized as a leader of local healthcare innovation through its efforts in delivering safe, quality healthcare at no cost and for one of only a few nurse-led programs in the nation. Over the past 10 years, the program has grown to more than 160 employees and 57 school-based clinics.