ABOUT COVID-19

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 ⦁ HNHP has aligned with our Hawaii Alliance partners (Unite Here-Local 5 & UNAC) to seek solutions that will help protect nurses and respiratory therapists, raising concerns directly with Kaiser National and the Kaiser Hawaii Region.  

⦁ HNHP’s committees have been actively advocating with political and industry leaders, both locally and nationally, to problem-solve for the current PPE shortage. Our goal is to ensure adequate protection for our front-line workers who are directly impacted and others who may be at risk due to practical workplace conditions that prevent strict maintenance of social distancing guidelines while on the job.  

⦁ HNHP Stewards have created a PPE Task Force to engage the community through donations of PPE to be used directly by our frontline workers in the Kaiser Hawaii Region. HNHP’s PPE Task Force has already successfully procured donated PPE supplies from Iolani, Mid-Pacific & Punahou Schools, Min Plastics, Pristine AC, Envy Eyes & Wax, Hawaii Chinese Kokua Group, Fiberglass Hawaii, Kamanu Composites LLC, as well as a handful of other other private contributors who have fabricated and donated hand-made masks.  Huge Mahalos go out to all our community partners who have stepped up to help ensure our members are protected.  We are grateful for their kindness and generosity. 

If you are aware of any potential PPE sources or leads, or if you would like to assist the PPE task force with their community outreach and organization efforts, please contact our PPE Task Force coordinator, Madeleine Patoc at (808) 306-5591 or contact info@hnhp.org

⦁ HNHP Leadership has been and remains engaged in ongoing discussions with KPHI Leadership and HR to ensure that we can help protect safety and working conditions for our members who provide patient care during the COVID-19 crisis.  We are aligned in partnership with advocates from the Alliance and actively working to enforce the protections offered by our Income security agreement and “no cancellation” policies. 

⦁ We are also pursuing protection of RN’s and RT’s who are part of higher risk populations – those 60 yrs. of age or older, with verified at-risk medical conditions; those with immunocompromised,  immunodeficiencies or respiratory conditions, or confirmed pregnancies.  

⦁ HNHP and Alliance leaders are also actively pushing for expanded benefits, attendance, leave rules, and other temporary changes to terms and conditions to ensure that those of our members who are engaged in providing patient care or otherwise affected by the COVID-19 crises are better able to properly care for themselves and their loved ones. 

⦁ HNHP stewards and members have been actively seeking and providing information on workplace changes as they occur on a daily and hourly basis.  Please know that we hear you and are actively pursuing protection.  Remember, if you see something, say something.  Our ability to ensure adequate protections depends on us having accurate and timely information throughout this rapidly changing pandemic.

 ⦁ Our Board of Advisors, led by Luanne Long, have been actively engaging our Federal, State, City & County Leaders and legislators to ensure that all PPE supply/protections within the powers of the government are giving top priority to our HNHP members and Hawaii’s frontline health care providers.  We are pleased that so many officials have already reached out and/or responded to HNHP, asking how greater assistance can be provided through their efforts.

HNHP Protects You - Current Updates 4.2.20

 ⦁ HNHP is actively promoting a message to our community, “Health Care Professionals’ Lives Matter” through our ongoing T-shirt drive. A strong visual message of unity and solidarity in protecting our front line caregivers will be unmistakable through this campaign. T-shirts can be purchased on the www.HNHP.org website. 

⦁ We can all help promote this message of unity by wearing this t-shirt to/from work - change into work attire at KP & remove your used work clothes prior to leaving the facility to wash at home- thus minimizing any possible spread. Further info re: community awareness campaign will be forthcoming.