The Mohala Liko Lehua fellowship program represents a pioneering effort in Hawaiʻi to cultivate the next generation of culturally competent behavioral health providers. A collaboration between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) Department of Native Hawaiian Health and the Hawaiʻi Land Trust (HILT), the initiative aims to address significant gaps in mental health care for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations while promoting resilience through culturally-rooted practices.
### Overview of the Program
The fellowship, unique to Hawaiʻi, involves training three post-doctoral psychology (PsyD) fellows and three post-master of social work (MSW) fellows over the course of one year. Under the guidance of licensed psychologists and social workers, these fellows will learn to design and implement behavioral health services specifically tailored for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island. The program’s broad aim is not only to enhance mental health support but also to strengthen community capacity, thus ensuring the wellbeing of its participants.
### Training and Cultural Foundations
A cornerstone of the Mohala Liko Lehua program is its focus on trauma-informed care that respects and integrates Hawaiian values and practices. This hands-on training will take place in HILT’s community preserves and existing educational programs, helping fellows engage directly with the communities they aim to serve. The trainees will also receive additional clinical experience at various health system sites, including Queen’s Health Systems and the Ka Malu a Waʻahila program for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students at UH Mānoa.
In a statement, JABSOM program director Robin Miyamoto emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and community health, quoting a Hawaiian proverb that highlights the need for favorable conditions for growth. This philosophy underpins the fellowship’s ultimate goal: to provide a holistic approach that not only responds to immediate needs but also fosters resilience within the community.
### Addressing Health Disparities
The program focuses particularly on underrepresented communities, most notably the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations, who have historically encountered systemic health disparities and insufficient investment in behavioral health resources. ʻOlu Campbell, president and CEO of HILT, articulated that bridging these inequities necessitates solutions that are deeply rooted in community values, culture, and trust. By equipping local residents with the skills to deliver culturally fluent care, the program seeks to create a sustainable healthcare workforce dedicated to the wellbeing of its communities.
### Impact and Future Plans
With the support of organizations such as the Health Resources & Services Administration, Maui United Way, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Mohala Liko Lehua plans to operate for at least four years. The initiative aims to train a minimum of 24 fellows, directly impacting at least 4,000 youth during this period. Measuring community impact and enhancing the capacity of HILT staff are also key components of the program’s objectives.
While the fellowship has a strong foundation, additional funding remains essential for its sustainability. Ongoing financial support will ensure that this important program continues to foster a culturally sensitive approach to behavioral health, addressing the unique needs of Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities.
### Conclusion
The Mohala Liko Lehua fellowship program is more than just a training opportunity; it serves as a significant step toward rectifying historical injustices in healthcare access and delivery, particularly for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. By focusing on culturally informed care and community-driven solutions, JABSOM and HILT are setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the nation. The commitment to nurturing homegrown professionals who can provide care rooted in the local culture not only stands to benefit current residents but also lays a healthy foundation for future generations.
This innovative approach illustrates the potential of aligning behavioral health services with cultural values, demonstrating that effective treatment must address not only the individual’s needs but also the community’s cultural context. As we move forward, programs like Mohala Liko Lehua could inspire a nationwide movement toward integrating cultural wisdom into healthcare practices.
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