Maui Memorial Medical Center Extends Compassionate Care into Community

Maui Memorial Medical Center staff shared holiday cheer and hundreds of gifts with 45 Maui county families in need through Maui Family Support Services’ Adopt-A-Family program last month.

MMMC OB Department (12.19.18). Courtesy photo.

The partnership between MFSS and MMMC started a few years ago with the Obstetrics Department as a way to give back during the holidays. This holiday season, there were many more departments who participated, with smaller departments teaming up to adopt jointly so they could make it extra special.

MFSS provided the hospital departments information on each family including ages of the children and a list of basic needs like clothes or towels as well as “wish lists” for each member of the family.

Staff were able to present their gifts at MMMC during the last two weeks of December and some families were treated to a surprise visit from Santa.

“Each year the program gets better and better. This has truly brought all of us so much joy,” said Malia Joyo-Bui, OB Nurse Manager and AAF nurse organizer. “To see the huge smiles, looks of excitement and often times tears of happiness and gratitude from the families in this program … it is so fulfilling.”

In addition to MFSS Adopt-A-Family, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lāna‘i Community Hospital staff give back to the community in many ways during the holidays and throughout the year including serving food at the homeless shelter, donating gifts, and volunteering time to other outreach programs.

“We are so proud of our team,” said Michael Rembis, CEO, Maui Health System. “The compassionate care doesn’t stop when our staff takes off their badges at the end of their shifts. These moments are created by their giving spirits and warm hearts, and we are grateful for them each and every day.”

Established in 1980, Maui Family Support Service’s mission is “to promote healthy family functioning by providing family supportive services which build on family strengths.” They provide service to families on Maui, Molokai and Lāna‘i.

MMMC Laboratory Department 2018. Courtesy photo.