`Olelo mua

Seat one sets the pace and leads the stroke for all other seats in the wa`a (canoe). It is the first to experience a breakthrough, and clear the path ahead. This position leads the way to a new level of training, education, applied cultural knowledge and fulfilling a vision. The vision is fulfilled by hiring competent health professionals into the work force that delivers needed services.

Summary

Papa Ola Lokahi supports the comprehensive development of a caring, competent, well-trained workforce that will serve to improve access to health care by Native Hawaiians and their families.  POL supports the preparation of Native Hawaiian health professionals by providing scholarships in more than a dozen primary care, public and mental health professions and then placing them in to rural, medically underserved communities in Hawai`i.  POL collaborates with others that assess the health workforce needs in the state, and initiatives in recruitment, retention, training, mentorship, and continuing education.  POL also advocates in behalf of, provides infrastructure support for, and partners with professional associations of Hawaiian physicians, psychologists, nurses, and others in health care.  In addition to nurturing Native Hawaiians through the continuum of the health workforce, POL engages in activities that increase awareness and sensitivity among all allied health professionals that serve Native Hawaiians and their families.