READ ALL ABOUT IT! Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jon Martell, explains how early treatment protocols were developed to care for COVID-positive nursing home residents. Click on the link: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2020/10/01/hawaii-news/covid-cases-double-at-life-care-center/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
COVID cases double at Life Care Center
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pictures of our CEO Dan Brinkman getting his flu shot, community donations to our frontline workers and testing in our Extended Care Department:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2020)
· 11 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 3 in ICU, 7 in COVID Unit, 1 in Extended Care Facility
· COVID testing for the Extended Care Facility’s 52 staff and 28 residents that was conducted on September 24 and 29 have all returned negative.
· Admissions to our Extended Care Facility remain paused until the situation is resolved.
· Hilo Medical Center is optimistic in managing COVID in the hospital and its long term care facility.
· 2 total deaths, unrelated to the veterans home, have occurred in the hospital on September 8 and 18.
YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, reported by Avalon Healthcare, the veterans home’s managing company)
· Good news: There has been an improvement in recovered cases of residents and staff.
· A total of 71 residents and 35 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in this outbreak
· 48 residents are currently at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
· 7 residents are receiving care in the home’s COVID designated area
· 1 resident is hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center
· 27 total resident deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred. We offer our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones.
o 1 death related to COVID-19 to report today.
· 38 residents and 33 employees have recovered
· For additional information, go to: https://ahcupdates.info/hilo-covid19-update
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pictures of our Utilization Review team dropping off treats to the staff at the veterans home in show of support, encouraging flu shots, our ICU nurses caring for COVID patients today:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2020)
· 11 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 3 in ICU, 7 in COVID Unit, 1 in Extended Care Facility
· COVID testing for the Extended Care Facility’s 52 staff and 28 residents that was conducted on September 24 and 29 have all returned negative.
· Admissions to our Extended Care Facility remain paused until the situation is resolved.
· Hilo Medical Center is optimistic in managing COVID in the hospital and its long term care facility.
· 2 total deaths, unrelated to the veterans home, have occurred in the hospital on September 8 and 18.
YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, reported by Avalon Healthcare, the veterans home’s managing company)
· Good news: There has been an improvement in hospitalized and recovered cases of residents. Yesterday, all results from this last round of resident and staff came back NEGATIVE.
· A total of 71 residents and 35 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in this outbreak
· 49 residents are currently at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
· 8 residents are receiving care in the home’s COVID designated area
· 1 resident is hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center
· 26 total resident deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred. We offer our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones.
o No deaths related to COVID-19 to report today.
· 36 residents and 30 employees have recovered
· For additional information, go to: https://ahcupdates.info/hilo-covid19-update
READ ABOUT STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINES! Our very own ICU nurse, Tiffany Martinez, is one of three nurses in the state sharing their story about what it’s like caring for COVID patients. Mahalo CivilBeat’s Denby Fawcett for bringing their stories forward. https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/09/denby-fawcett-3-nurses-describe-what-its-like-to-care-for-covid-19-patients/?fbclid=IwAR1H4AtoGCE8GpkyUdnhlG1EN8jAMBDRpCnyEe5kYR3r9m57RRI2AwaKibo
CIVILBEAT.ORG
Denby Fawcett: 3 Nurses Describe What It’s Like To Care For COVID-19 Patients
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with a pic of folks working on the COVID Unit today, pics of our new cart washer and a new outdoor eating area:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Monday, September 28, 2020)
· 2 new travel nurses (ICU and Medical Surgical) joined us as a part of the Department of Health’s initiative to bring nurses and other specialists to help Hawaii’s hospitals over the next four months. On October 5, another ICU nurses, 4 other Medical Surgical nurses and 1 respiratory therapist will join us for a total of 9 healthcare providers joining us.
· 15 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 2 in ICU, 12 in COVID Unit, 1 in Extended Care Facility
· COVID testing for Extended Care Facility staff and residents conducted on Thursday, September 24 have all returned negative. Retesting of 52 staff and 28 residents took place again today.
· Admissions to our Extended Care Facility remain paused until the situation is resolved.
· Hilo Medical Center is optimistic in managing COVID in the hospital and its long term care facility.
· 2 total deaths, unrelated to the veterans home, have occurred in the hospital on September 8 and 18.
YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Monday, September 27, 2020, reported by Avalon Healthcare, the veterans home’s managing company)
· Good news: There have been no changes in the numbers over the last few days. Also, this last round of resident and staff testing resulted in ALL NEGATIVE results.
· A total of 71 residents and 35 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in this outbreak
· 49 residents are currently at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
· 17 residents are receiving care in the home’s COVID designated area
· 3 residents are hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center
· 26 total resident deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred. We offer our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones.
o No deaths related to COVID-19 to report today.
· 25 residents and 29 employees have recovered
· For additional information, go to: https://ahcupdates.info/hilo-covid19-update
FLU SEASON IS COMING! Our experts share information on flu in the age of COVID-19. Read all about it: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2020/09/28/hawaii-news/hmc-get-flu-shot-to-help-avoid-twindemic/?fbclid=IwAR3_S4HRNEQSpuKeGcHvtW_0ZN2sVB2HDPcUeyVU0VV_pD7-nu3b0Mx14gs
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
HMC: Get flu shot to help avoid ‘twindemic’
Here is today’s update on COVID-19. We do want to share with you our latest recruitment video for a Gastroenterologist, featuring our CEO Dan Brinkman, Medical Director Dr. Kathleen Katt, and longtime community Gastroenterologist Dr. Edwin Montell. This is just one more adjustment in this age of COVID-19 that we had to make to recruit specialists to our lovely Hilo community.
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 10, 2020)
· 7 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 1 in ICU, 6 in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is now considered COVID-free. Admissions to resume shortly.
· 6 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6, 7, and 8.
· 37 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 6 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 1 community at the Kona Community Hospital, 3 from Life Care Center, per their website, 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.
Check our our recruitment video at: https://youtu.be/RaIkb4pTLnA
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of our staff receiving their mahalo cards from generous board member who donated 150, $50 KTA gift cards to the HMC Foundation and Chad in larger than life form showing folks how to wear their mask properly.
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2020)
· 6 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 1 in ICU, 5 in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is now considered COVID-free. Admissions to resume shortly.
· 6 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6, 7, and 8.
YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2020, reported by Avalon Healthcare, the veterans home’s managing company)
· Good news: There are no changes at the veterans home. Surveillance testing of staff and residents ongoing.
· 37 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 6 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 1 community at the Kona Community Hospital, 3 from Life Care Center, per their website, 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of our COVID Unit nightshift, painters sprucing up our hospital, mask shipment received paid for by CARES funding allotted by Council Member Aaron Chung, and this quarters awardees of the Sunshine and Daisy Awards:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2020)
· 7 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 1 in ICU, 6 in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is now considered COVID-free. Admissions to resume shortly.
· 6 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6, 7, and 8.
o 1 death related to COVID-19 to report today that happened in the last 24 hours in the hospital. We offer the families our deepest sympathies.
· Employee surveillance testing results: Over the last 18 days, we have tested over 2,100 employees, finding 1 positive staff, resulting in a positivity rate of 0.04%.
YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME UPDATE (as of 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2020, reported by Avalon Healthcare, the veterans home’s managing company)
· Good news: There are no changes at the veterans home. Surveillance testing of staff and residents ongoing.
· A total of 71 residents and 35 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in this outbreak
· 45 residents are currently at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
· 0 residents are receiving care for COVID in the home
· 2 residents are hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center
· 27 total resident deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred
· 42 residents and all 35 employees have recovered
· 35 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and 6 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 2 from Life Care Center, per their website.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pictures of our ER night shift, a sneak peek at our new banner that will be at the front of our hospital, and our administrators suited up for their meeting:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2020)
· 9 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 2 in ICU, 7 in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is now considered COVID-free. Admissions to resume shortly.
· 5 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6 and 7
o 2 deaths related to COVID-19 to report today that happened in the last 24 hours in the hospital. We offer the families our deepest sympathies.
YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME UPDATE (as of 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, reported by Avalon Healthcare, the veterans home’s managing company)
· Good news: There are no changes at the veterans home. Surveillance testing of staff and residents ongoing.
· A total of 71 residents and 35 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in this outbreak
· 45 residents are currently at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
· 0 residents are receiving care for COVID in the home
· 2 residents are hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center
· 27 total resident deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred
· 42 residents and all 35 employees have recovered
· 34 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and 5 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 2 from Life Care Center, per website.
PLEASE JOIN US THIS SATURDAY AT 10:00! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=347966559814405&id=291976124230232&_rdr
Hawai‘i Care Choices, formerly Hospice of Hilo was live.
October 7 at 11:10 AM ·
Join us this Saturday, October 10th at 10:00 a.m. on Facebook Live for Healthcare Talk Story with Lani Weigert, Community Relations Manager for Hawai’i Care Choices, Dan Brinkman East Hawaii Regional CEO, Hilo Medical Center and Ikaika Marzo, Business Owner, Community Leader and Hospice Advocate as they give their insights on the benefits of accessing healthcare to boost quality of life. To join us on Zoom with all of the fully interactive features RSVP to lfukushima@hawaiicarechoices.org.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of our staff from the ICU, Medical, COVID Unit, Surgical Peds Unit and we even found our Infection Control Director’s mask ad laminated and posted in Island Naturals this morning!
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2020)
· 9 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 3 in ICU, 6 in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is now considered COVID-free. Admissions to resume shortly.
· 3 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4.
YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, reported by Avalon Healthcare, the veterans home’s managing company)
· Good news: There are no COVID-positive residents at the veterans home and all staff are now recovered.
· A total of 71 residents and 35 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in this outbreak
· 45 residents are currently at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
· 0 residents are receiving care for COVID in the home
· 2 residents are hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center
· 27 total resident deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred
· 42 residents and all 35 employees have recovered
· 32 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and 3 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 2 from Life Care Center, per website.
Starting next week, our “Daily” Updates will be sent twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please continue to stay focused on all of the COVID precautions and protocols we need to do to keep our family, friends and neighbors safe. Have an enjoyable and safe weekend and please remember your exposure risk in your activities. Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of our OB nurses celebrating Perinatal Nurses Week, our COVID Unit, Surgical-Pediatrics Unit, and our new set up for our COVID Safety Crew:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 1:30 pm on Friday, October 16, 2020)
· Hilo Medical Center has resumed limited visitation from 3:00-7:00 pm daily, one visitor per patient per day is allowed. No visitation allowed in the Emergency Department, for hospitalized COVID patients and long term care.
· 3 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 3 in COVID Unit
· 7 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6, 7, 8, and 15.
o 1 new death related to COVID-19 occurred yesterday on October 15, 2020. We offer our deepest sympathies.
· 39 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 7 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 1 community at the Kona Community Hospital, 4 from Life Care Center, per their website, 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.
Starting next week, our “Daily” Updates will be sent twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please continue to stay focused on all of the COVID precautions and protocols we need to do to keep our family, friends and neighbors safe. While our numbers have been improving with less deaths, hospitalizations, and community infections, this is where “pandemic fatigue” can set in. Please, stay vigilant and encourage your loved ones to continue our kuleana to each other. This pandemic is far from over. Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of our dedicated staff from EVS, COVID Unit and Surgical/Pediatrics Unit:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 12:30 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2020)
· Hilo Medical Center has resumed limited visitation from 3:00-7:00 pm daily, one visitor per patient per day is allowed. No visitation allowed in the Emergency Department, for hospitalized COVID patients and long term care.
· 4 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 1 in ICU, 3 in COVID Unit
· 6 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6, 7, and 8.
· 38 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 6 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 1 community at the Kona Community Hospital, 4 from Life Care Center, per their website, 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with our latest ad featuring Dr. Brooke Hayashi, our new orthopedic surgeon, specializing in pediatrics and adults, who has joined our orthopedic team at East Hawaii Health at 1190 Waianuenue Avenue on the second floor:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2020)
· Hilo Medical Center has resumed limited visitation. From 3:00-7:00 pm daily, one visitor per patient per day is allowed. No visitation allowed in the Emergency Department and also for hospitalized COVID patients.
· 7 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 1 in ICU, 6 in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is COVID-free. Admissions have resumed. No visitor policy remains in effect for the protection of our kupuna.
· 6 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6, 7, and 8.
· 38 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 6 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 1 community at the Kona Community Hospital, 4 from Life Care Center, per their website, 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of our COVID Unit rock stars working today and of flowers recently donated to our staff:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2020)
· Hilo Medical Center is resuming limited visitation. From 3:00-7:00 pm daily, one visitor per patient per day is allowed. No visitation allowed in the Emergency Department and also for hospitalized COVID patients.
· 6 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 1 in ICU, 4 in COVID Unit, 1 OB
· Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is COVID-free. Admissions have resumed. No visitor policy remains in effect for the protection of our kupuna.
· 6 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6, 7, and 8.
STATE UPDATE: For the latest figures on the state and Hawaii County, go to: The Department of Health.
· State: 13,575 cases, 173 deaths
· Hawaii Island: 974 total cases, 21 new cases reported today
· 37 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 6 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 1 community at the Kona Community Hospital, 3 from Life Care Center, per their website, 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of welcoming 20 new members of our Nurse Residency Program, and staff from the COVID and Surgical-Pediatrics Units who received their mahalo gift cards from the Hilo Medical Center Foundation:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Monday, October 12, 2020)
· Hilo Medical Center is resuming limited visitation. From 3:00-7:00 pm daily, one visitor per patient per day is allowed. No visitation allowed in the Emergency Department and also for hospitalized COVID patients.
· 8 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 1 in ICU, 7 in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is now considered COVID-free. Admissions have resumed.
· 6 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6, 7, and 8.
· 37 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 6 community at the Hilo Medical Center, 1 community at the Kona Community Hospital, 3 from Life Care Center, per their website, 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.
See our latest video - the 2020 recruitment video for the Hawaii Island Family Medicine Residency program. We had to mix things up this year because of COVID, so our Co-Chief Residents Dr. Anna Maisu and Dr. Deanne Higa came up with this amazing virtual tour to take candidates interested in applying to AND attending our residency program. Our community is in great need of awesome doctors. This is a flavor of who we are and our dynamic program! Mahalo to our community for ongoing support throughout the years! https://youtu.be/6rhNxsZVnYg
YOUTUBE.COM
Hawaii Island Family Medicine Residency Program Recruitment Video 2020
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of new and improved digs for our COVID Safety Crew, construction starting in our expanded Cardiology Clinic and we spotted Chad posted in Paradise Plants:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Monday, October 20, 2020)
· 5 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 5 in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center has resumed limited visitation from 3:00-7:00 pm daily, one visitor per patient per day is allowed. No visitation allowed in the Emergency Department, for hospitalized COVID patients.
· Our nursing homes in Hilo, Ka’u and Honokaa have resumed visitation
· Also, our nursing homes started today twice a month surveillance staff testing
The number of new infections on island are trending up and are pointing to community acquired infections. Please evaluate your exposure risk as we head into this weekend. Our family, friends and neighbors are depending on us to maintain our safe hospital, safe patients, and safe staff. Here is today’s update with pics of staff in our operating room who have put in place additional best practices to protect their patients and staff in this age of COVID-19:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 1:30 pm on Friday, October 23, 2020)
· 3 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 3in COVID Unit
· Hilo Medical Center has resumed limited visitation from 3:00-7:00 pm daily, one visitor per patient per day is allowed. No visitation allowed in the Emergency Department, for hospitalized COVID patients.
· All of our long term care facilities in Hilo, Ka`u and Honokaa have resumed visitation (see Visitation Rules and FAQs), and have twice a month surveillance testing for staff.
We fully support Civil Defense’s message that impresses upon knowing that the virus is in our community and we must make every effort to stop the spread. Gatherings associated with the upcoming holidays and the evidence that gatherings contribute to the spread of the virus make it more important than ever to follow the preventive measures of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings of no more than 10 persons. Please accept this kuleana to protect our families, friends and community and to make Hawaii Safe. Here is our update on COVID-19 with pics of our COVID Cleaning Crew:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE
· We are averaging 3-5 COVID-positive patients in our 12-bed COVID Unit and 0-1 COVID-positive patients in our 11-bed ICU, which is almost always full with our community’s sickest patients
· We have adequate staffing and PPE.
· While we are caring for a consistently low average of COVID-positive patients, Hawaii Island has 353 active cases, which is a big cause for concern as hospitalizations tend to materialize 10-14 days after infection. Please stay vigilant and safe.
WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Happy Halloween! Please be safe this Halloween and choose the side of caution. According to Civil Defense: “Know that the preventive measures of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings of no more than 10 persons are mandated by law and will be enforced by the Hawaii Police Department. Please accept this kuleana to protect our family, friends and community to make Hawaii Safe.” Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of our staff at the ENT clinic, Admin, Surgical/Pediatrics, and Room Service in the Halloween mood:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 12:00 pm on Friday, October 30, 2020)
· 5 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 5 in COVID Unit, 0 in the ICU
· We have adequate staffing and PPE
· Hawaii Island: 14 new cases today, 344 active cases reported this week on the island
CHECK OUT OUR NEW COMMERCIAL FOR THE EAST HAWAII HEALTH CLINIC AT 1285 WAIANUENUE AVENUE! This clinic consists of primary care, OB/GYN, ENT, allergy and urology. This ad will be playing on Spectrum cable channels starting November 1st. Call 932-3940 to schedule an appointment.
https://youtu.be/Juk8AJfHDYc
YOUTUBE.COM
East Hawaii Health Clinic at 1285 Waianuenue Avenue Commercial
JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING SUPER CHAD! Yesterday the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) awarded our Infection Prevention Director Chad Shibuya the Mentor of the Year Award for his role and dedication to educating and reassuring our staff and community about safety precautions needed in this age of COVID-19. He has been the face and voice of our hospital in these uncertain and uncharted times. Chad was joined by his wife and children at the virtual ceremony among hospital leadership cheering him on. Every hospital and community needs “A Chad” - we’re so fortunate to have the original!
MAHALO KAHU KIMO AWAI FOR BLESSING OUR HOSPITAL! Today he blessed our East Hawai’i Health Clinic at 1285 Waianuenue, East Hawaii Health Orthopedic Suite, COVID Unit, Progressive Care Unit and the upgraded Sterile Processing Department. It was excellent timing since we have not had any COVID-positive patients in our hospital since Monday. Please stay vigilant with your safety precautions as we have worked so hard to get to this point.
Check out our new ad for neurology care at the East Hawai’i Health Clinic at 1190 Waianuenue! Our commercial is airing on Spectrum cable channels through the month of December. https://youtu.be/U7pJhgjbLCI
YOUTUBE.COM
Accepting New Patients for Neurology Care at the East Hawaii Health Clinic at 1190 Waianuenue
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with a link to our virtual CEO town hall meeting we held with staff on vaccine distribution, featuring Dan Brinkman and Allen Shih, Pharmacy Director:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 10:00 am on Friday, December 4, 2020)
· 1 COVID-positive patient
· We have adequate staffing and PPE
· Please continue your vigilance with safety precautions
https://youtu.be/XJ8l8wS6ALM
YOUTUBE.COM
CEO Town Hall COVID 19 Update - December 3, 2020
Here’s more reading on the COVID-19 vaccines for this Sunday by the Mayo Clinic addressing myths on the vaccines. Check it out at: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/featured-topic/covid-19-vaccine-myths-debunked?linkId=106637225&fbclid=IwAR2uT9r3CJjn21SoEzhbhfi-YINK_gqsvLnTuX9srMhHsjPFj9UQXe9ZY8M
MAYOCLINICHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
COVID-19 vaccine myths debunked
Please take a moment to read the Frequently Asked Questions on the COVID vaccine from the Department of Health’s Immunization Branch Chief Ronald Balajadia.
https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccinefaq/
HAWAIICOVID19.COM
COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A with Ronald Balajadia, Hawai‘i Department of Health Immunization Branch Chief
CHECK OUT THE HAWAIINEWSNOW STORY ON THE COVID VACCINE! Our CEO Dan Brinkman shares information on the distribution process. Also featured is our OR nurse Tracey Silva showing our ultra cold freezer that will store the vaccines and can go as low as -80 degrees. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/12/10/hawaii-healthcare-workers-could-get-shots-arms-early-tuesday/
HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM
Hawaii healthcare workers could get shots in the arm as early as Tuesday
EXCELLENT BREAKING NEWS!
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/health/covid-vaccine-pfizer-fda.html?smid=tw-share&fbclid=IwAR14Px5T2r8V0pG4Qs9mcM-Ym9uI5lf9lYQu-kzptQ1Kcc6pvTdbJawXHdY
NYTIMES.COM
F.D.A. Advisory Panel Gives Green Light to Pfizer Vaccine
READ ALL ABOUT IT! https://printreplica.hawaiitribune-herald.com
IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY INFORMED: Here is our CEO Dan Brinkman in an interview with KITV’s Annalisa Burgos, providing information on the vaccine rollout for East Hawai’i’s frontline healthcare workers. https://www.kitv.com/story/43027802/hilo-medical-center-prepares-its-healthcare-workers-to-get-first-covid19-vaccines
KITV.COM
Hilo Medical Center prepares its healthcare workers to get first COVID-19 vaccines
THOUGHTS ON THE COVID-19 VACCINE: Here is Hilo-boy and general surgeon at Hilo Medical Center, Dr. Dan Hudak, sharing his thoughts, reassurances and encouragement on taking the vaccine. https://youtu.be/QEC-yuSJAOI
YOUTUBE.COM
THOUGHTS ON THE COVID-19 VACCINE: Surgeon, Dr. Dan Hudak
Dr. Judy FitzGerald, Emergency Physician at Hilo Medical Center, shares her thoughts, encouragement and reassurances on the COVID-19 vaccine.
https://youtu.be/0gzoML_RFxo
YOUTUBE.COM
THOUGHTS ON COVID-19 VACCINE: Dr. Judy FitzGerald
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE CHAD? Our trusted Infection Prevention Director, Chad Shibuya, shares his thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccines.
READ ALL ABOUT IT IN THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER! Mahalo to our amazing COVUD Unit Charge Nurse Nadia Schlosser for sharing her story from behind the frontlines and talking about the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Thanks to Megan Fuller, Quality Management Nurse for giving Nadia and many of the 320+ employees who took their shots on Wednesday and Thursday! https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/12/25/hawaii-news/front-line-workers-step-up-to-get-their-vaccine-shots/
STARADVERTISER.COM
Neighbor island front-line workers step up to get their COVID-19 vaccine shots
SEASONS GREETINGS FROM HILO MEDICAL CENTER! We have had so many blessings over the last year, even in light of COVID-19. It made us pull together as a hospital is a special way. There is no other way to get through this pandemic then together! Here’s to wishing our 1,500 employees and their ohana a wonderful Christmas and a sincere mahalo for all the love, energy and aloha you put into caring for our community. Earlier in the week, the Eagles dropped off baby baskets for us to present to the first 3 Christmas babies - TBD today! Yesterday Batman came to visit a special young Batman (Kayston) to fill him with Christmas Cheer! This young Batman stands strong and brave by his mom’s side as she courageously battles cancer. And finally, here is a donation of lap blankets and knitted hats to our residents at our Extended Care Facility, made by the loving hands of Mrs. Koga, one of our employee dear mom! These are just three examples of our community taking care of its community!
More action from today! Thank you all for committing to caring for each other and our community!
GOING STRONG ON DAY 2 OF COVID-19 VACCINATION AT HMC! Today we are slated to vaccinate another 160 employees and providers for a two-day total of nearly 320 vaccines administered. Over 750 members of our organization have chosen to protect ourselves, our patients, our family and our community. We hope more of our colleagues join us in the coming days. Next week, we start vaccinating community healthcare providers.
CHECK IT OUT! Mahalo to our staff willing to be featured in the news at our vaccination clinic! Here’s the HawaiiNewsNow from last night and in today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2020/12/24/hawaii-news/hmc-begins-vaccinations/
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/12/24/mass-covid-vaccination-effort-ramps-up-neighbor-islands/
HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM
Mass COVID-19 vaccination effort ramps up on Neighbor Islands
CHECK IT OUT! Mahalo to our staff willing to be featured in the news at our vaccination clinic! Here’s the HawaiiNewsNow from last night and in today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2020/12/24/hawaii-news/hmc-begins-vaccinations/
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/12/24/mass-covid-vaccination-effort-ramps-up-neighbor-islands/
HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM
Mass COVID-19 vaccination effort ramps up on Neighbor Islands
READ ALL ABOUT IT! https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2020/12/29/hawaii-news/hundreds-vaccinated-at-hmc/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
Hundreds vaccinated at HMC
As of today, we have vaccinated 520 employees and providers at Hilo Medical Center. Today marked the first day of administering the COVID-19 vaccine to community healthcare providers and their staff! Mahalo to our team that worked very hard to set up our vaccination clinic! Here is today’s update on COVID-19:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:30 pm on Monday, December 28, 2020)
· 4 COVID-positive patients in COVID unit
· We have adequate staffing and PPE
· Please continue your safety precautions
· 220 hospital employees and community providers were vaccinated today
· 520 hospital employees and providers have taken the vaccine today as of today
· A total of 798 employees and providers are scheduled to take the vaccine by January 8 with more signing up every day
· WATCH: Hilo Medical Center Public Service Announcement on the COVID-19 Vaccine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KTyLS4hAOI
YOUTUBE.COM
Hilo Medical Center's Vaccination Public Service Announcement
SUPER SATURDAY! Today we held our third COVID-19 vaccination clinic that had us reach our 400 scheduled vaccine administered. Today many of our medical staff lined up for their turn. Here are community physician and East Hawai’i Independent Physicians Association President Dr. Lynda Dolan, community physician, Past East Hawai’i Regional Board Chair and Chief of Staff Dr. Daniel Belcher, and Hilo Medical Center’s Chief Medical Office Dr. Kathleen Katt taking their first dose! Mahalo to all of our employees who reported to help out at the clinic. Thomas, giving Dr. Katt her shot, has been one of the main nurses on the COVID Unit who showed up in a big way to care for our patients.
VACCINATING ON! Today we started vaccinations for our staff and residents in our Extended Care Facility. Thanks to our partners at CVS/Longs for administering the Moderna vaccine. Tomorrow our sister hospital in Honokaa is slated to receive their shots, followed by our Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home on Friday. We are also continuing to vaccinate our staff at Hilo Medical Center and community healthcare providers, including nursing students from UH Hilo’s School of Nursing. We’re all in this together! If you are a community healthcare worker and would like to receive the vaccine, go to www.hilomedicalcenter.org for more information.
As of today, our COVID-19 vaccine clinic has vaccinated over 1,450 employees and providers at Hilo Medical Center and community healthcare providers and their staff! Big mahalo to our team that worked very hard to set up our vaccination clinic! Over 820 of our Hilo Medical Center employees and providers have taken their first shot. We will be starting to administer the second dose to those who already have had the first shot next week. Staff and residents at Ka`u Hospital received their vaccines last week. Tomorrow Extended Care Facility will hold their clinic, followed by Hale Ho`ola Hamakua on Thursday and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home on Friday.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with info on the vaccine hotline and pics of our staff and community healthcare workers from Kaiser, Pharmerica and Bay Clinic getting their vaccine at our clinic:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 5, 2021)
· 2 COVID-positive patients in COVID unit
· We have adequate staffing and PPE
· Please continue your safety precautions
· Over 1,450 hospital and community providers and staff have received the vaccine in the first two weeks
· Over of 820 hospital employees and providers have taken the vaccine as of today
· A total of 900 hospital employees and providers have been scheduled to take the first vaccine by January 8 with more signing up every day
HONORING THE YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME TRANSITION INTO OUR OHANA! Yesterday we held a small blessing with Kahu Kimo Awai, who said, “there is no coincidence that we are all here today - that these are the leaders who are here today.” Here are (l-r) Valecia Baldwin, Director of Nursing for Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, Kaui Chartrand, Administrator for Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, Kahu Kimo Awai, Faith Olivera, Regional Director of Nursing for Long Term Care and Critical Access Hospitals, Denise Mackey, Administrator for Long Term Care and Critical Access Hospitals. Read today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald covering the change in leadership and management: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/05/hawaii-news/new-management-in-place-at-veterans-home/
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Register and join by Zoom to learn about the COVID-19 vaccines. Hilo Medical Center has administered over 1,300 with the help of Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy students. Much mahalo to them for helping us get the job done with professionalism and efficiency!
CHECK OUT THE VACCINE PANEL ON HAWAIINEWSNOW! Our CEO Dan Brinkman participated in a panel of experts throughout the state to provide information on the vaccine roll out and addressed concerns about the vaccine. Click on the link to view the segment. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2021/01/04/hnn-air-panel-discussion-hawaiis-vaccination-efforts-monday-night/
HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM
WATCH: HNN panel discussion on Hawaii’s vaccination efforts
WELCOME TO 2021! This year’s New Year babies came on January 2. Baby boy Richard was born to mom Jasmin Richard at 12:34 am on Saturday morning, weighing 5 pounds and 5 ounces and measured 18 inches. Mom and baby were presented a gift basket stuffed with baby care supplies donated by the Eagles of Keaau. The second baby, Jayce Austin Phillips, was born on 1:51 pm, weighing 9 pounds and 5 ounces and measured 21 inches, to parents Ariane Dayoan and Joshua Phillips. His big sister, 5-year-old, Averie Mae was waiting anxiously for him to come home! The family was presented with a gift baskets from Hilo Medical Center’s OB Unit.
NY Baby Richard Caption:
(l-r) Dr. Celeste Adrian, obstetrician, Kerri Beck, OB nurse, Christy Domingo, OB nurse aide, Jasmin Richard with baby boy, and Christina Ranan, OB Nurse Manager.
NY Baby Phillips Caption:
(l-r) Kerri Beck, OB nurse, dad Joshua Phillips with mom Ariane Dayoan and baby Jayce, Dr. Diana Linderoth, pediatrician, and Christina Ranan, OB Nurse Manager.
SECOND DOSES OF COVID-19 VACCINE FOR HOSPITAL WORKERS! We have been receiving many calls, texts and emails asking about vaccines for the 75+ kupuna! We know you are all eager to get the vaccine and we are working hard to set up our clinic. More information is coming in the next two days on the kupuna clinic. If you are able or can get help, please make sure our kupuna have access to a computer and an email address/account to pre-register with the hospital. A helpline is coming in the next couple of weeks to help folks with no access to email. Please malama our kupuna and help them if they cannot get their own email. After they preregister, more information on registering with the CDC VAMS will be sent.
STAY TUNED! We’re working hard to get to you ALL and will let you know when we are ready - Kupuna Clinic is coming up next. Please continue to stay safe.
READ AND WATCH ALL ABOUT IT! Our Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home had quite an exciting week. https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/09/hawaii-news/vets-home-begins-vaccinations/, https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2021/01/08/veterans-home-that-had-states-deadliest-outbreak-begins-vaccinating-residents-staff/
As of today, our COVID-19 vaccine clinic has vaccinated 1,984 employees and providers at Hilo Medical Center and community healthcare providers and their staff! Today also marks the day that our frontline staff get their second shot! Big mahalo to our team that worked very hard to set up our vaccination clinic! Nearly 1,000 of our Hilo Medical Center employees and providers have taken their first shot. We are happy to report that all of our long term care facilities, Kau Hospital, Extended Care Facility, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, began receiving their vaccinations this week. We know that our kupuna, teachers and others in the community in group 1b are eager for their names to be called. Please know we are working in concert with the Department of Health, Hawaii County and other hospitals on the island to administer vaccines in the coming weeks.
Tune-in tonight on HawaiiNewsNow, KHON, KITV and Hawaii Public Radio and read tomorrow’s Hawaii Tribune-Herald that captured the joyous occasion at the Yukio Okutstu State Veterans Home on day one of residents and staff receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. Featured are Kaui Chartrand, Administrator, Gretchen Gamet, Staff, and Barbara Dawson-Perry, resident council president and first to receive the vaccine today!
Here is today’s update on COVID-19:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Friday, December 8, 2021)
· 2 COVID-positive patients, 1 in ICU and 1 in COVID unit
· We have adequate staffing and PPE
· Just about 2,000 hospital and community providers and staff have received the vaccine in week 3 of our vaccination clinic
· Nearly 1,000 hospital employees and providers have taken the vaccine as of today
· Nearly 1,000 hospital employees and providers have been scheduled to take the first vaccine by January 8 with more signing up every day
· WATCH: HMC and Community Healthcare Providers COVID-19 Vaccine Commercial https://youtu.be/_278rGi7qqI airing on Spectrum Cable Channels
· WATCH: COVID-19 Vaccine Public Service Announcement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vGWc7uSZeQ
MORE COVID-19 VACCINES ADMINISTERED! Our residents and staff at Hale Ho’ola Hamakua were vaccinated by our friends at CVS/Longs. Tomorrow Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home is up for their shots. Then we start administering round two shots at HMC next week. Thanks to our community healthcare workers for coming in to get protected. Here are our peeps from our clinic vaccinating folks from our OB Unit, Fresenius Dialysis, and the state jails. We know everyone is anxious to receive the vaccine. Please hold tight! We’re working to get to you in the coming weeks!
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST RADIO AD ON OUR KUPUNA VACCINATION CLINIC! Click on the link to listen. To register your kupuna for their COVID-19 vaccine, use or get their own email address and go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-ew/
https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HiloMedicalCenter_KupunaVaccineClinic_V1_JAN15_JAN24_60.mp3
HILOMEDICALCENTER.ORG
www.hilomedicalcenter.org
READ ALL ABOUT THE KUPUNA CLINICS ON OUR ISLAND! Today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald features details on Hilo Medical Center’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for our 75+ kupuna. Details are provided by our CEO Dan Brinkman and Assistant Hospital Administrator Kris Wilson. Other vaccination hubs covered in the story are at Kona Community Hospital and North Hawai’i. To begin the registration process for kupuna, go to https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75/.
Here is the link to the story: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/14/hawaii-news/kupuna-vaccinations-to-begin/
REGISTRATION FOR OUR KUPUNA 75 & OVER TO GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE IS NOW OPEN! See the attached press release and follow the directions. Go to https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75/ to start the process. Vaccination shots for kupuna will start next Tuesday for 75 and over. The following week, essential workers and kupuna 65 and older will be able to receive their shots. Please make sure each person registering has their own email address - it cannot be used for another registration. Our clinic is open weekdays, starting on January 20 from 7 am - 4 pm.
SECOND DOSES OF COVID-19 VACCINE FOR HOSPITAL WORKERS! We have been receiving many calls, texts and emails asking about vaccines for the 75+ kupuna! We know you are all eager to get the vaccine and we are working hard to set up our clinic. More information is coming in the next two days on the kupuna clinic. If you are able or can get help, please make sure our kupuna have access to a computer and an email address/account to pre-register with the hospital. A helpline is coming in the next couple of weeks to help folks with no access to email. Please malama our kupuna and help them if they cannot get their own email. After they preregister, more information on registering with the CDC VAMS will be sent.
STAY TUNED! We’re working hard to get to you ALL and will let you know when we are ready - Kupuna Clinic is coming up next. Please continue to stay safe.
READ ALL ABOUT! Our latest information on our vaccination clinic. https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/22/hawaii-news/hmc-begins-kupuna-covid-vaccinations/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
HMC begins kupuna COVID vaccinations
TIPS FROM THE COVID VACCINE HELPLINE! We’ve fielded tons of calls on the helpline regarding registering on the CDC VAMS website. Here’s a helpful video to help your kupuna register. https://youtu.be/tzlXMj5ayXU
YOUTUBE.COM
Instructions on How to Sign up for VAMS - brought to you by Hilo Medical Center
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST RADIO AD ON OUR KUPUNA VACCINATION CLINIC! Click on the link to listen. To register your kupuna for their COVID-19 vaccine, use or get their own email address and go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-ew/
https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HiloMedicalCenter_KupunaVaccineClinic_V1_JAN15_JAN24_60.mp3
HILOMEDICALCENTER.ORG
www.hilomedicalcenter.org
READ ALL ABOUT THE KUPUNA CLINICS ON OUR ISLAND! Today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald features details on Hilo Medical Center’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for our 75+ kupuna. Details are provided by our CEO Dan Brinkman and Assistant Hospital Administrator Kris Wilson. Other vaccination hubs covered in the story are at Kona Community Hospital and North Hawai’i. To begin the registration process for kupuna, go to https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75/.
Here is the link to the story: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/14/hawaii-news/kupuna-vaccinations-to-begin/
Today is the completion of week 2 of vaccinating our kupuna 75 years and older! We remain on track to administer upwards of 1,000 doses per week, dependent on supply. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we have had to delay the start of vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older. We understand the eagerness to get the vaccine, so we are working in concert with the Department of Health, Hawaii County, other hospitals, pharmacies and community health centers on the island to administer vaccines in the coming weeks. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19, posted on the intranet:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Friday, January 29, 2021)
O COVID-positive patients in our hospital
We have adequate staffing and PPE
HMC Vaccinations
Over 4,600 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
Kupuna 75+ vaccine clinic – week #2 complete!
Over 9,000 appointments for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers have pre-registered on the HMC website and are waiting to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
Long Term Care Facilities, Extended Care Facility, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home are scheduled to hold their next vaccination clinics in the first week of February.
2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
To pre-register, go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75/
You will obtain an email from the CDC within 2 business days if you are in the category currently getting vaccinated. All others must wait until their group is called.
To register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlXMj5ayXU&t=8s
Check out: Hawaii Island COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resource Sheet https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinics-Hawaii-Island-Resource-Sheet.pdf
THE PUNGS IN DA HOUSE!!! Ernie and Dawn Pung were among the over 200 folks that came to get their COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines. Thanks to the help from their daughter, they were able to register online and schedule their appointment. As of today, we’ve administered about 4,200 vaccines. The helpline is still blowing up and we are trying our very best to get to each call. Please know that 65+ can pre-register on our hospital website, but will have to wait upwards of 4 weeks and beyond to get their email from the CDC to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS webite. Thank for your patience and understanding! We will get to you!
STAY INFORMED! The kupuna vaccination clinic is pumping! Over 200 appointments a day. Here’s the latest info. https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/26/hawaii-news/hilo-hospital-seeing-high-demand-for-covid-vaccine-from-kupuna-75-and-older-as-rollout-continues/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
Hilo hospital seeing high demand for COVID vaccine from kupuna 75 and older as rollout continues
Today is day 5 of vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older! We have been inundated with calls on our helpline (808.932.3000 press 8) and are trying our best to get to each and every call. We remain on track to administer upwards of 1,000 doses per week, dependent on supply. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we have had to delay the start of vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older and other essential workers. We understand the eagerness to get the vaccine. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online. Here is today’s update on COVID-19:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:30 pm on Monday, January 25, 2021)
· O COVID-positive patients in our hospital
· We have adequate staffing and PPE
· HMC Vaccinations
o 3,800 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
o Kupuna 75+ vaccine clinic – day 5 at Hilo Medical Center
§ Over 4,000 scheduled to take their vaccine in the coming weeks, many are kupuna 75+ for their first dose and second doses for frontline healthcare workers
o 9,000 appointments for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers have pre-registered on the HMC website and are waiting to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
o Long Term Care Facilities, Extended Care Facility, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home are scheduled to hold their next vaccination clinics in the first week of February.
· 2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
o Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75/
o Register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlXMj5ayXU&t=8s
o Check out: Hawaii Island COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resource Sheet https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinics-Hawaii-Island-Resource-Sheet.pdf
READ ALL ABOUT! Our latest information on our vaccination clinic. https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/22/hawaii-news/hmc-begins-kupuna-covid-vaccinations/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
HMC begins kupuna COVID vaccinations
This week we started vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older! Since being open for registration last week, we have been inundated with calls on our helpline and had over 1,500 kupuna registered with more signing up every day. We are estimating administering about upwards of 1,000 doses per week, dependent on supply. We know that our kupuna 65 years and older, teachers and other essential workers eager to have their names called. Please know we are working in concert with the Department of Health, Hawaii County and other hospitals on the island to administer vaccines in the coming weeks.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pictures of our kupuna - you may recognize some of them leading by example:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:00 pm on Wednesday, January 20, 2021)
· 2 COVID-positive patients in our ICU and 1 in COVID unit
· We have adequate staffing and PPE
· Kupuna 75+ started today at Hilo Medical Center
o WATCH: KITV News Tonight and other news outlets for coverage
· 2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
o Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75/
o Register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlXMj5ayXU&t=8s
o Read: Today’s Hawaii Tribune-Herald story, “Hilo hospital urges calm as kupuna vaccinations begin” at https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/20/hawaii-news/hilo-hospital-urges-calm-as-kupuna-vaccinations-begin/
BIG QUESTION OF THE WEEK! I’m 65-74 years old...when is my turn to get vaccinated? The answer is: we’re still working hard to vaccinate our kupuna 75 years & older, second doses for community healthcare providers and first time doses for other frontline healthcare workers. At this point our best estimation is that we are upwards of 6 weeks away from getting to the next group of 65+. Our great ask of the 65+ group is to please sit tight and we will get to you. Please continue to reach out to your kupuna to help them register, get them an appointment and give them a ride. See the available options in the resource sheet. Here are our staff from our Extended Care Facility getting their second shots thanks to CVS/Longs! Tomorrow our staff at Hale Ho’ola Hamakua have their second clinic! Also, good news with community pharmacies reported in today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald, “
Additional Big Isle sites to get vaccinated” at https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/03/hawaii-news/additional-big-isle-sites-to-get-vaccinated/
Welcome news: “CVS to begin offering COVID-19 vaccines at 7 Longs Drugs in Hawaii starting Feb. 11” (https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/02/02/breaking-news/cvs-to-begin-offering-covid-19-vaccines-at-7-longs-drugs-in-hawaii-starting-feb-11/) , according to today’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s story – includes Hilo! Today is day 10 of vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older! We are still being swamped with calls on our helpline (808.932.3000 press 8) and are trying our best to get to each and every call. We remain on track to administer upwards of 1,000 doses per week, dependent on supply. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we have had to delay the start of vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older and other essential workers. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of two of the many kupuna receiving their vaccine Yaeko Kunishige and Mike Tulang:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:30 pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021)
* O COVID-positive patients in our hospital
* We have adequate staffing and PPE
* HMC Vaccinations
* Upwards of 5,000 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
* Day 10 of Kupuna 75+ COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Hilo Medical Center
* Pre-registration for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers on the HMC website is open waiting to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
* Long Term Care Facilities, Extended Care Facility, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home are scheduled to hold their next vaccination clinics in the first week of February.
* 2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
* Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75<https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75/>
* Register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlXMj5ayXU&t=8s
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE! Learn about the vision for our hospital. See today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald story on our plans to expand the ICU and renovate the OB unit into a family birthing center. For the full story, go to: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/31/hawaii-news/planning-for-the-future-proposed-capital-improvements-measure-includes-bond-funding-for-hmc-expansion-project/
Today is the completion of week 2 of vaccinating our kupuna 75 years and older! We remain on track to administer upwards of 1,000 doses per week, dependent on supply. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we have had to delay the start of vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older. We understand the eagerness to get the vaccine, so we are working in concert with the Department of Health, Hawaii County, other hospitals, pharmacies and community health centers on the island to administer vaccines in the coming weeks. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19, posted on the intranet:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Friday, January 29, 2021)
O COVID-positive patients in our hospital
We have adequate staffing and PPE
HMC Vaccinations
Over 4,600 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
Kupuna 75+ vaccine clinic – week #2 complete!
Over 9,000 appointments for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers have pre-registered on the HMC website and are waiting to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
Long Term Care Facilities, Extended Care Facility, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home are scheduled to hold their next vaccination clinics in the first week of February.
2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
To pre-register, go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75/
You will obtain an email from the CDC within 2 business days if you are in the category currently getting vaccinated. All others must wait until their group is called.
To register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlXMj5ayXU&t=8s
Check out: Hawaii Island COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resource Sheet https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinics-Hawaii-Island-Resource-Sheet.pdf
THE PUNGS IN DA HOUSE!!! Ernie and Dawn Pung were among the over 200 folks that came to get their COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines. Thanks to the help from their daughter, they were able to register online and schedule their appointment. As of today, we’ve administered about 4,200 vaccines. The helpline is still blowing up and we are trying our very best to get to each call. Please know that 65+ can pre-register on our hospital website, but will have to wait upwards of 4 weeks and beyond to get their email from the CDC to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS webite. Thank for your patience and understanding! We will get to you!
STAY INFORMED! The kupuna vaccination clinic is pumping! Over 200 appointments a day. Here’s the latest info. https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/26/hawaii-news/hilo-hospital-seeing-high-demand-for-covid-vaccine-from-kupuna-75-and-older-as-rollout-continues/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
Hilo hospital seeing high demand for COVID vaccine from kupuna 75 and older as rollout continues
Last Friday Waiakea High School senior Zarah Paresa completed her senior project that involved donating activity bags for children receiving care at the hospital. Here she is with sweetheart DJ Scoffing, receiving one of the many bags she put to get her that will keep the kiddos busy for hours. Mahalo!
BIG QUESTION OF THE WEEK! I’m 65-74 years old...when is my turn to get vaccinated? The answer is: we’re still working hard to vaccinate our kupuna 75 years & older, second doses for community healthcare providers and first time doses for other frontline healthcare workers. At this point our best estimation is that we are upwards of 6 weeks away from getting to the next group of 65+. Our great ask of the 65+ group is to please sit tight and we will get to you. Please continue to reach out to your kupuna to help them register, get them an appointment and give them a ride. See the available options in the resource sheet. Here are our staff from our Extended Care Facility getting their second shots thanks to CVS/Longs! Tomorrow our staff at Hale Ho’ola Hamakua have their second clinic! Also, good news with community pharmacies reported in today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald, “
Additional Big Isle sites to get vaccinated” at https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/03/hawaii-news/additional-big-isle-sites-to-get-vaccinated/
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE! Learn about the vision for our hospital. See today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald story on our plans to expand the ICU and renovate the OB unit into a family birthing center. For the full story, go to: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/01/31/hawaii-news/planning-for-the-future-proposed-capital-improvements-measure-includes-bond-funding-for-hmc-expansion-project/
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! On Friday, residents at our Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and Extended Care Facility revived special Valentines cards for the special day. Deb Lewis, state senior vice commander of the Hawaii Veterans of Foreign Wars, and John Hiduchick with VFW 3830, presented Valentine’s Day cards to residents to Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home on Friday afternoon. The Valentine’s Day cards were created by students with specials needs from the Honolulu District. More than 30 students signed 160 cards with their names and messages of love for veterans at the home. Read today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald for the full story behind the VFW’s presentation at the veterans home by going to https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/14/hawaii-news/vfw-distributes-valentines-day-cards-at-vets-home/. At the Extended Care Facility, the girls of Troop 810 presented handmade cards with their own expressions of love. Mahalo VFW and Troop 810 for thinking of our residents!
We are still vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we are not yet vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older and other essential workers – we are about 4-6 weeks away. However, the timeline to get to the next group may be shortened thanks to other vaccination sites like KTA, CVS/Longs, Kaiser, Bay Clinic, Hamakua Health Center opening up on the island, so stay tuned. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with our vaccine clinic crew, retired Director of Nursing Phoebe Lambeth and Stacey Ohama of the Respiratory Therapy department with her mom Joyce Higuchi:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:30 pm on Friday, February 12, 2021)
O COVID-positive patients in our hospital
We have adequate staffing and PPE
HMC Vaccinations
Over 6,400 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
Week 4 of Kupuna 75+ COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Hilo Medical Center
Pre-registration for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers on the HMC website is open. When we move to vaccinating that age group, an email from the CDC will be sent to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75
Register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out our NEWLY REVISED instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLKAVNfSNDo
Check out: Hawaii Island COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resource Sheet
READ: Hawaii Tribune-Herald’s February 11 story, “‘Great demand’ for vaccines: Older kupuna, essential workers continue to be priority” https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/11/hawaii-news/great-demand-for-vaccines-older-kupuna-essential-workers-continue-to-be-priority/
CONTINUING TO PRIORITIZE OUR KUPUNA - read all about the current status of COVID-19 vaccine administration in our Hawai’i County in today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/11/hawaii-news/great-demand-for-vaccines-older-kupuna-essential-workers-continue-to-be-priority/
We are still vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we are not yet vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older and other essential workers – we are about 4-6 weeks away. However, the timeline to get to the next group may be shortened thanks to other vaccination sites like KTA, CVS/Longs, Kaiser, Bay Clinic, Hamakua Health Center opening up on the island, so stay tuned. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with a pic of our COVID Unit that has not had to care for any COVID positive patients over the last week:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:30 pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2021)
O COVID-positive patients in our hospital
We have adequate staffing and PPE
HMC Vaccinations
70% of our hospital employees are vaccinated!
Upwards of 6,000 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
Week 4 of Kupuna 75+ COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Hilo Medical Center
Pre-registration for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers on the HMC website is open. Once we are ready to vaccinate the 65+ group, those who have pre-registered on our website will receive an email from the CDC to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website.
Long Term Care Facilities, Extended Care Facility, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home have held their second vaccine clinics, in which many residents and staff have received their second shots and others have consented to taking their first shot.
2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75
Last Friday Waiakea High School senior Zarah Paresa completed her senior project that involved donating activity bags for children receiving care at the hospital. Here she is with sweetheart DJ Scoffing, receiving one of the many bags she put to get her that will keep the kiddos busy for hours. Mahalo!
This is the conclusion of week #3 of vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older! We remain on track to administer upwards of 1,000 doses per week, dependent on supply. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we are not yet vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older and other essential workers – we are about 4-5 weeks away. However, the timeline to get to the next group may be shortened thanks to other vaccination sites like KTA, CVS/Longs, Kaiser, Bay Clinic, Hamakua Health Center opening up on the island, so stay tuned. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online.
Here is our update on COVID-19 with pics of our hard workers, Kelsie from Pharmacy mixing vaccines, Monalisa working the COVID vaccine helpline:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (Friday, February 5, 2021)
O COVID-positive patients in our hospital
We have adequate staffing and PPE
HMC Vaccinations
Upwards of 5,500 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
Week 3 of Kupuna 75+ COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Hilo Medical Center
Pre-registration for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers on the HMC website is open. Once to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
Extended Care Facility, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home have held their second vaccine clinics, in which many residents and staff have received their second shots and others took their first shot.
2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75
Register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlXMj5ayXU&t=8s
Hawaii Island COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resource Sheet https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinics-Hawaii-Island-Resource-Sheet.pdf
From hospitals to KTA pharmacies, here’s how to get your vaccine on Hawai’i Island https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2021/02/03/officials-release-step-by-step-guide-covid-vaccinations-hawaii-island
2,000 VACCINATED IN HILO! Hilo Medical Center was fueled by our commitment to good public health in our mission to vaccinate 2000 today at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium from 8 am - 4:30 pm. Mahalo to our employees off volunteering on their day off to step up and vaccinate our educators from preschool up to colllege and those in the airline and retail sectors. Mahalo also to nursing students from UH Hilo and Hawai’i Community College, the UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, and the Hawai’i County Fire Department for your help in prepping and administering vaccines. We also mahalo the Kiwanis’ volunteers and Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi’s community health workers for their diligence in wiping down the chairs in the observation area and assisting with line control. We truly appreciate the Hawai’i National Guard’s assistance in security and traffic control. Mahalo to everyone who came out today to get you vaccination. We will see you in 3 weeks for your second dose on March 13 - please make your second appointment in VAMS.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! On Friday, residents at our Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and Extended Care Facility revived special Valentines cards for the special day. Deb Lewis, state senior vice commander of the Hawaii Veterans of Foreign Wars, and John Hiduchick with VFW 3830, presented Valentine’s Day cards to residents to Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home on Friday afternoon. The Valentine’s Day cards were created by students with specials needs from the Honolulu District. More than 30 students signed 160 cards with their names and messages of love for veterans at the home. Read today’s Hawai’i Tribune-Herald for the full story behind the VFW’s presentation at the veterans home by going to https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/14/hawaii-news/vfw-distributes-valentines-day-cards-at-vets-home/. At the Extended Care Facility, the girls of Troop 810 presented handmade cards with their own expressions of love. Mahalo VFW and Troop 810 for thinking of our residents!
WE ARE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE! Read about how Hilo Medical Center has been working hard to vaccinate our community!
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/28/opinion/hmc-is-up-to-the-challenge/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
HMC is up to the challenge
As of today, Hilo Medical Center has administered 11,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Our next mass vaccination clinic, capacity increased to administer a total of 4,000 doses, will take place on Saturday, March 13 back at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium – 2,000 recipients are scheduled for their second dose and another 2,000 additional essential workers and ambulatory kupuna 75 years and older (who can walk a mile or more and stand for 30 minutes) are being scheduled for this closed POD. At the hospital’s vaccination clinic, we are still focused on kupuna 75 years and older at our hospital – vaccinating over 200 per day. We are not yet vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older, caregivers and people with pre-existing conditions. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online – remember to schedule their second appointment after they get their first.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pictures of folks who have come through our clinic and staff like Lisa who are working hard to care for our kupuna:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE
* 1 COVID-positive patient in our hospital
* We have adequate staffing and PPE
* HMC Vaccinations
* A total of 11,000 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center’s clinics since December 23
* Week 6 of Kupuna 75+ COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Hilo Medical Center
* Pre-registration for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers on the HMC website is open. Once to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
* 2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
* Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75
* Register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out our NEWLY REVISED instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLKAVNfSNDo
* Check out: Hawaii Island COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resource Sheet https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinics-Hawaii-Island-Resource-Sheet.pdf
Hilo Medical Center was proud to administer 2,000 doses at our first mega POD, mass vaccination clinic this past Saturday. Our next mass vaccination clinic for second doses will take place on Saturday, March 13 back at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium – over 1,800 people have already signed up for their second dose! At the hospital’s vaccination clinic, we are still focused on kupuna 75 years and older at our hospital. We are not yet vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older, other essential workers, caregivers and people with pre-existing conditions. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online – remember to schedule their second appointment after they get their first.
In light of last Friday’s news reported in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, “Hawaii’s vaccination eligibility to expand earlier to 70-plus age group,” Hawaii Island continues to stay the course with vaccinating the 75 and older age group. Our best estimates for moving on to the next group is up to a month, maybe longer. We remind our community to focus on developments at the Hawaii County level and not on the state and national level. We can only administer the vaccine we receive, but we remain hopeful that the supply will increase in due time. Please hold tight. We are committed to vaccinating our community.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19, posted on the intranet, Grace Maffit-Nobriga, a custodian at Keaukaha Elementary School, was the first to receive her vaccine at Hilo Medical Center’s mass vaccination clinic administered by the hospital’s CEO Dan Brinkman, a veteran nurse:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE
1 COVID-positive patients in our hospital – after nearly 1 month without a COVID-positive hospitalized patient
We have adequate staffing and PPE
HMC Vaccinations
Over 10,000 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
Week 6 of Kupuna 75+ COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Hilo Medical Center
2,000 VACCINATED IN HILO! Hilo Medical Center was fueled by our commitment to good public health in our mission to vaccinate 2000 today at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium from 8 am - 4:30 pm. Mahalo to our employees off volunteering on their day off to step up and vaccinate our educators from preschool up to colllege and those in the airline and retail sectors. Mahalo also to nursing students from UH Hilo and Hawai’i Community College, the UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, and the Hawai’i County Fire Department for your help in prepping and administering vaccines. We also mahalo the Kiwanis’ volunteers and Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi’s community health workers for their diligence in wiping down the chairs in the observation area and assisting with line control. We truly appreciate the Hawai’i National Guard’s assistance in security and traffic control. Mahalo to everyone who came out today to get you vaccination. We will see you in 3 weeks for your second dose on March 13 - please make your second appointment in VAMS.
WE ARE READY! Hilo Medical Center is excited to be doing our first mass vaccination clinic tomorrow – it’s a closed POD focused on educators and other essential workers. For more details on our appointment-only clinic, see today’s Hawaii Tribune-Herald, “Thousands could be vaccinated Saturday during large-scale clinic for UH, DOE employees.” https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com We are still focused on vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older at our hospital. We are not yet vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older and other essential workers. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online – remember to schedule their second appointment after they get their first. Caregivers and people with pre-existing conditions under 65 years old are not yet eligible.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19, with pics of our set up for tomorrow’s mass vaccination clinic of 2,000 doses:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 1:30 pm on Friday, February 19, 2021)
O COVID-positive patients in our hospital – over 3 weeks without at hospitalized
We have adequate staffing and PPE
HMC Vaccinations
Over 7,200 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
Week 5 of Kupuna 75+ COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Hilo Medical Center
Pre-registration for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers on the HMC website is open. Once to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75
Register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out our NEWLY REVISED instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLKAVNfSNDo
Check out: Hawaii Island COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resource Sheet
Additional vaccination sites like KTA, CVS/Longs, Kaiser, Bay Clinic, Hamakua Health Center opening up on the island, so stay tuned. Kaiser is now vaccinating non-members – click on the link for more info: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/hawaii/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/covid-vaccine.
We are still vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we are not yet vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older and other essential workers – we are several weeks away. However, the timeline to get to the next group may be shortened thanks to other vaccination sites like KTA, CVS/Longs, Kaiser, Bay Clinic, Hamakua Health Center opening up on the island, so stay tuned. Kaiser is now vaccinating non-members – click on the link for more info: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/hawaii/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/covid-vaccine. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online – remember to schedule their second appointment after they get their first. Caregivers and people with pre-existing conditions under 65 years old are not yet eligible.
Here is today’s update on COVID-19 with pics of our hard workers in the vaccine clinic:
HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 3:30 pm on Wednesday, February 17, 2021)
O COVID-positive patients in our hospital – over 3 weeks without at hospitalized
We have adequate staffing and PPE
HMC Vaccinations
Over 6,800 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since December 23
Week 5 of Kupuna 75+ COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Hilo Medical Center
Pre-registration for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers on the HMC website is open. Once to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website
2-Step Registration Process for 75+ to Get Vaccine
Go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/vaccine-appointments-75
Register on CDC VAMS website and schedule your appointment – check out our NEWLY REVISED instructional video to sign up on VAMS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLKAVNfSNDo
Check out: Hawaii Island COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resource Sheet https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinics-Hawaii-Island-Resource-Sheet.pdf
2 PFIZER VACCINATION CLINIC OPTIONS BY HILO MEDICAL CENTER!
1. HMC’s Saturday, March 13 Mass Vaccination Clinic at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium for essential workers, anyone who has to go to work and is within 6 feet from customers or coworkers and mobile kupuna 70 years & older. Must be able to walk about a mile and stand for 30 minutes. Register at: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-march-13th
2. HMC’s Kupuna Clinic 70 years and older will move on Monday, March 8 to its new location at the ARC of Hilo, down the street from the hospital at 1099 Waianuenue - open weekdays from 8am-4pm. This option is good for people with mobility issues. Lots of parking and space in the ARC’s new building. Register at: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/
For assistance, call our helpline at 808.932.3000 and press option 8.
WE ARE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE! Read about how Hilo Medical Center has been working hard to vaccinate our community!
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/28/opinion/hmc-is-up-to-the-challenge/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
HMC is up to the challenge
2,000 VACCINATED IN HILO! Hilo Medical Center was fueled by our commitment to good public health in our mission to vaccinate 2000 today at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium from 8 am - 4:30 pm. Mahalo to our employees off volunteering on their day off to step up and vaccinate our educators from preschool up to colllege and those in the airline and retail sectors. Mahalo also to nursing students from UH Hilo and Hawai’i Community College, the UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, and the Hawai’i County Fire Department for your help in prepping and administering vaccines. We also mahalo the Kiwanis’ volunteers and Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi’s community health workers for their diligence in wiping down the chairs in the observation area and assisting with line control. We truly appreciate the Hawai’i National Guard’s assistance in security and traffic control. Mahalo to everyone who came out today to get you vaccination. We will see you in 3 weeks for your second dose on March 13 - please make your second appointment in VAMS.
READ ALL ABOUT IT - A VERY SPECIAL FEATURE ON AN EXCEPTIONAL LEADER WE CALL OUR CHIEF NURSING OFFICER! Click on the link to read UH Hilo Stories, “In the trenches: Nursing alum Arthur Sampaga Jr., a life of service to country and community.”
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/chancellor/stories/2021/03/08/arthur-sampaga-jr/
HILO.HAWAII.EDU
In the trenches: Nursing alum Arthur Sampaga Jr., a life of service to country and community - UH Hilo Stories
2 PFIZER VACCINATION CLINIC OPTIONS BY HILO MEDICAL CENTER!
1. HMC’s Saturday, March 13 Mass Vaccination Clinic at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium for essential workers, anyone who has to go to work and is within 6 feet from customers or coworkers and mobile kupuna 70 years & older. Must be able to walk about a mile and stand for 30 minutes. Register at: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-march-13th
2. HMC’s Kupuna Clinic 70 years and older will move on Monday, March 8 to its new location at the ARC of Hilo, down the street from the hospital at 1099 Waianuenue - open weekdays from 8am-4pm. This option is good for people with mobility issues. Lots of parking and space in the ARC’s new building. Register at: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/
For assistance, call our helpline at 808.932.3000 and press option 8.
WE ARE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE! Read about how Hilo Medical Center has been working hard to vaccinate our community!
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/02/28/opinion/hmc-is-up-to-the-challenge/
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
HMC is up to the challenge
READ ALL ABOUT IT IN TODAY’S HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD! Vaccine recipients shared their relief in getting their shot - over 4,100 shots administered. Here are pics of Keaukaha Elementary School teacher Wendi Kimura who had a family outing to get her and her in-laws their vaccines. Read the story at https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/03/14/hawaii-news/its-definitely-a-relief-around-4000-inoculated-at-mass-vaccination-event
LAST RECIPIENT OF THE DAY! #4,135, Rebecca Manliguis!
MAHALO HILO! WE DID IT! Hilo Medical Center administered over 4,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine today at the Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium, largest clinic to date on the island. Hospital staff, nursing and pharmacy school students, the National Guard, Hawaii County Fire Department, and volunteers from Hui Malama Ola Na O’iwi made it all possible today. Essential workers, frontline workers and 70 years and older kupuna were among those vaccinated today. The next mass vaccination clinic will be held on April 3. For more information, go to the hospital’s website HiloMedicalCenter.org.
READ ALL ABOUT IT - A VERY SPECIAL FEATURE ON AN EXCEPTIONAL LEADER WE CALL OUR CHIEF NURSING OFFICER! Click on the link to read UH Hilo Stories, “In the trenches: Nursing alum Arthur Sampaga Jr., a life of service to country and community.”
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/chancellor/stories/2021/03/08/arthur-sampaga-jr/
HILO.HAWAII.EDU
In the trenches: Nursing alum Arthur Sampaga Jr., a life of service to country and community - UH Hilo Stories
READ ALL ABOUT IT! Today’s Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports on our plan to open sign ups for COVID vaccine recipients to 50 years and older in order to fill our mass vaccination clinics on April 3 and 24 at the Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium. Our kupuna-friends clinic at the Arc of Hilo remains an option for those who have mobility assistance needs with a shorter walk and convenient parking. We are still vaccinating those in previously announced priority groups. To sign up for your vaccination, go to: https://www.hilomedicalcenter.org/covid-19-vaccine-sign-up-information/
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/03/23/hawaii-news/hmc-expands-eligibility-for-covid-vaccine-hospital-opens-early-registration-for-people-who-are-50-65-years-old/?fbclid=IwAR1Ne9uy9jRHBK7UBYtqG2p4waROF4C81tMwO0w4PFMXgpU1FYssJHMMJaU
HAWAIITRIBUNE-HERALD.COM
HMC expands eligibility for COVID vaccine; Hospital opens early registration for people who are 50-65 years old
INTRODUCING OUR NEW CLASS OF 2024! Please help us welcome SIX of our newest residents of our Hawaii Island Family Medicine Residency Program when they arrive this summer!
READ ALL ABOUT IT IN TODAY’S HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD! Vaccine recipients shared their relief in getting their shot - over 4,100 shots administered. Here are pics of Keaukaha Elementary School teacher Wendi Kimura who had a family outing to get her and her in-laws their vaccines. Read the story at https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/03/14/hawaii-news/its-definitely-a-relief-around-4000-inoculated-at-mass-vaccination-event
