ADDRESSING health disparities
KŪ OLA STRIVES TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN MEN
The UH Cancer Center is committed to improving the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians , in particular Native Hawaiian men who are at the greatest risk for many chronic diseases , including cancer . The Kū Ola ( upright living ) program of the UH Cancer Center seeks to reduce the high cancer mortality rates among nā kāne ( Native Hawaiian men ) by conducting hui kūkākūkā ( discussion groups ) among men to talk about health . The program ’ s foundation is in the cultural tradition of the hale mua ( men ’ s house ), based on the responses from focus groups conducted with Native Hawaiian men in 2002 . Kū Ola engages community partners , including Ke Ola Mamo and the American Cancer Society , among others .
The UH Cancer Center ’ s Native Hawaiian Community Advisory Board , comprised of key community leaders , oversees the Kū Ola program . This year , Kū Ola received funding support from the Hawai ‘ i Community Foundation ( HCF ) to expand the program . Kū Ola held its inaugural hālāwai ( community gathering ) in Kona in early 2023 , inviting representatives of community organizations to learn more about the program , as well as provide input . This generated Native Hawaiian community excitement on Hawai ‘ i Island resulting in two additional hālāwai and two facilitator trainings for kāne , including kauka ( physicians ), to conduct the kūkākūkā sessions .
Additionally , HCF funding enhances the Kū Ola program to : 1 . Build community capacity ;
a . Offer Clinical Research Professional ( CRP ) Certificate Program scholarships
b . Offer pilot funding for cancer-related research projects
O ‘ ahu Facilitator Training
2 . Increase the number of cancer / health-related educational modules ; and
3 . Increase the number of videos of kupuna kāne ( Native Hawaiian male elders ) sharing their cultural expertise .
KŪ OLA ’ S THEME
‘ Ike aku , ‘ ike mai , kōkua aku , kōkua mai ; pela iho la ka nohona ‘ ohana
Recognize and be recognized , help and be helped ; such is family life .
Furthermore , the partnership between UH Cancer Center and Ke Ola Mamo led to a custom-built mobile clinic to provide cancer education , the latest research conducted at the UH Cancer Center , and opportunities to participate in research through community outreach .
Stay tuned for more Kū Ola activities in your community coming in 2024 !
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