Mahalo Kōkua Mau for Your Insightful Palliative Care Training in Yap

Thursday, July 2, 2026 /// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - Tuesday, June 30,2026, the Yap Comprehensive Cancer Control Program shared highlights from the successful Palliative Care Training conducted in Yap from June 16–23, 2026.

Kōkua Mau, which means "Continuous Care" in Hawaiian, is a movement dedicated to improving care for individuals living with serious illnesses and supporting their loved ones. As Hawaiʻi's trusted resource for advance care planning, palliative care, and hospice care, Kōkua Mau promotes meaningful conversations that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare while emphasizing quality of life at every stage.

Recognized as a leader in advancing quality palliative and hospice care, Kōkua Mau advocates for compassionate, patient-centered care within healthcare systems and communities. Their vision is to create a culture where advanced care planning conversations are a natural part of life, ensuring that every individual has greater choice, dignity, and control over their care.

Drawing on their extensive expertise, the Yap Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and the Yap Area Health Education Center partnered with Kōkua Mau to bring three experienced facilitators to Yap to introduce the concepts of total pain and palliative care to current healthcare providers, future healthcare professionals, and family caregivers.

Over five days of engaging sessions, participants gained valuable knowledge and practical skills that were warmly received by all in attendance. During the closing ceremony, participants from the final afternoon session were presented with certificates of completion, while the Director of the Department of Health Services, Mr. Theo Thinnifel, presented local gifts as a token of appreciation to the visiting trainers.

Congratulations to all participants who completed the training and demonstrated their commitment to improving compassionate care for individuals and families in Yap.

A heartfelt mahalo nui loa is extended to the dedicated trainers—Jeanette Koijane, Dr. Emma Grote, and Dr. Pat Nishimoto—for generously sharing their expertise, experience, and passion for palliative care. Their guidance, dedication, and willingness to share their knowledge have made a meaningful and lasting impact, leaving a strong foundation for continued growth in palliative care services throughout Yap.

(For more information, contact the Department of Health Services at 350-2110)