West Hawaii Region Partners with the Helmsley Charitable Trust to Bring First Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit to Kona Community Hospital

$2M grant brings new adolescent behavioral health unit to Hawai‘i Island

KEALAKEKUA, HAWAIʻI — West Hawaii Region (WHR) announced today a $2,088,560 grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to the West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation (WHRHF) to establish an adolescent inpatient behavioral health unit at Kona Community Hospital (KCH). The hospital’s existing inpatient behavioral health department, Kalani Ola, will be renovated and include five pediatric beds, a 17% increase to Hawaiʻi’s total adolescent behavioral health capacity. This adolescent unit will be the only of its kind outside of O‘ahu.

“Youth who arrive at KCH’s emergency department in behavioral health crisis sometimes have to wait up to five to six weeks for an available bed on Oʻahu,” said Clayton McGhan, CEO of WHR. “When a bed does open, they are flown by air ambulance, separating them from their families during a vulnerable moment of their life. This grant allows us to care for our community right here at home, and for that we are grateful for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. The Trust’s partnership through this process and confidence in our vision has been remarkable.”

Kalani Ola opened in 2001 and was originally designed with an adolescent behavioral health unit in mind. Since then, Kalani Ola has been providing adult behavioral health care through self-care enhancement, symptom stabilization and community reintegration services. Through funding from Helmsley, the facility will renovate the space adding indoor common areas, adolescent beds and outdoor common areas for adolescent care. In addition, staff training, IT infrastructure and culturally resonant practices will be integrated into the adolescent program.

“Solving the youth behavioral health crisis requires a comprehensive level of care that addresses service gaps, tailors to cultural nuances, and takes place in local communities,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “Kalani Ola’s new adolescent behavioral health unit will serve as an important step towards ensuring every child has the chance to heal close to home with family and loved ones.”

WHRHF is the official philanthropic partner of WHR and its hospitals, advancing its shared mission and priorities through community-supported giving. WHRHF was instrumental in bringing this project together, cultivating relationships with the community and with funders like the Helmsley Charitable Trust. The foundation will continue to pursue major grants and gifts that expand care for Hawaiʻi Island families.

“We're deeply grateful to Helmsley for this grant, and for the care they have shown in understanding our needs and prioritizing our most pressing issues,” said Amy Feeley-Austin, president of WHRHF and COO of WHR. “We couldn't be more thankful for what this means for every adolescent who comes to us seeking critical behavioral health care. For so many young people, this care will be life-changing.”

For updates and to learn more about this project and WHRHF, visit westhawaiiregion.org.

ABOUT WEST HAWAII REGION
The West Hawaii Region comprises Kona Community Hospital, Kohala Hospital, and its affiliated outpatient clinics. The region is dedicated to providing a healing environment to all the people of Hawaiʻi and delivering quality, accessible care that leads to optimal health. Both hospitals offer 24-hour emergency services and are members of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, a public entity established in 1996 by the State of Hawaiʻi to fulfill the promise of providing quality, hometown healthcare.

ABOUT THE WEST HAWAII REGION HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation is the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner organization representing Kona Community Hospital, Kohala Hospital and its affiliated outpatient clinics. The foundation advances healthcare excellence by funding programs, services and improvements that enhance patient care, promote wellness and ensure access for all.