A new generation of healers is rising in Hawaii, and their commitment to serving their communities is already making waves. Papa Ola Lōkahi has just announced 10 remarkable scholarship recipients through the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program, each one dedicated to bringing quality healthcare back to the islands where it's needed most.

This year's cohort represents a beautiful cross-section of healthcare professions, including nursing, physician assistance, social work, clinical psychology, dental hygiene and medicine. Eight scholars are currently studying in Honolulu, Waiʻanae, Kailua-Kona, and through online programs, while two are pursuing their education on the continental United States. All 10 recipients hail from the islands of Hawaiʻi and O'ahu, and all share the same heartfelt goal: returning home to heal their people.

Dr. Donna-Marie Palakiko, director of the program, highlights something particularly meaningful about this group. "This cohort is committed to addressing the needs of our lāhui, including issues related to behavioral and mental health," she explains. In a time when mental health services are critically needed everywhere, these students are stepping up to fill a vital gap in their communities.

The scholarship program does more than just cover tuition. It provides comprehensive support including books and other related expenses, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented Native Hawaiians from pursuing healthcare careers. Since its inception in 1991, the program has awarded nearly 360 scholarships across 20 different disciplines to eligible individuals, creating an impressive network of healthcare professionals throughout the islands.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this program truly special is what happens after graduation. Each scholarship recipient commits to serving in medically underserved areas of Hawaiʻi, bringing professional healthcare to communities that desperately need it. But the impact doesn't stop when their service obligation ends. Most graduates choose to remain in these underserved communities long after their required tenure, often rising to leadership positions and becoming pillars of their local healthcare systems.

The program has created something even more valuable than individual practitioners: a supportive community of healthcare professionals who lift each other up. "Working alongside alumni, they refer to, support, and lean on one another to raise the health status of the lāhui," Dr. Palakiko notes, describing the peer mentorship that naturally develops among program participants.

Dr. Sheri Daniels, CEO of Papa Ola Lōkahi, beautifully captures the broader significance of these scholarships. "These scholars represent the next generation of healers for our communities, a presence that uplifts the health of all in Hawaiʻi," she says. It's a reminder that when communities invest in their own people, everyone benefits.

These 10 students aren't just earning degrees. They're answering a calling to serve, honoring their heritage while building a healthier future for Native Hawaiian communities. Their journey from students to healthcare providers represents hope, commitment, and the enduring strength of a culture that takes care of its own.