Maui Health Foundation raises $5.25M toward MMMC’s planned Clinical Decision Unit

Maui Health Foundation has raised $5.25 million for Maui Memorial Medical Center’s planned Clinical Decision Unit.

More than 160 community members gathered at the historic Olowalu Plantation House on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, for Maui Health Foundation’s first-ever Holiday Celebration to raise funds for Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Thanks to generous bidding on an array of one-of-a-kind live auction lots and a fund-a-need paddle raising, more than $1.25 million was raised for the hospital’s CDU. Kaiser Permanente chair and chief executive officer, Greg A. Adams, made an announcement by video at the event that Kaiser Permanente is contributing $4 million for the CDU, bringing the evening’s total to $5.25 million.

“The generosity of our auction lot donors and bidders proves what a special community we have, and what a magical night to acknowledge that,” said Dr. Lee Weiss, Medical Director and Chairman of the Maui Memorial Medical Center Emergency Department. “The multi-million-dollar pledge from Kaiser Permanente represents a major investment on their part in the health of our community. Thanks to these generous donations, our CDU is quickly becoming a reality. This will allow us to meet the growing need for critical care for the thousands of Maui residents and visitors we see in our Emergency Department each year.”

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s Emergency Department cares for nearly 60,000 patients annually, from newborns to elders, and is one of the busiest EDs in the state. To meet this demand, Maui Memorial Medical Center will build a Clinical Decision Unit, or CDU – a system developed and used by medical institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Stanford Medical Center, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Foundation representatives say the CDU will improve and streamline care for ED patients who may benefit from protocol-driven care in a dedicated space. The CDU will add 12 observation beds, including a specific area for patients with chest pains, allowing physicians and staff to monitor patients who do not meet the criteria for inpatient admission but are not well enough to go home. ED patients who require observation or testing can be monitored and treated according to disease-specific protocols in a separate area.

Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2023 and is projected to be completed within 12-18 months.

Peter and Maggie Martin provided their exclusive Olowalu Plantation House as the site for the first annual holiday celebration.

The live auction hosted by local sports reporter Kanoa Leahey brought in close to $450,000. Lots included one-of-a-kind private events, rare wines, and diamond jewelry, all donated by doctors, board members, and other supporters.

Dr. Lee Weiss spoke to guests about the need to support Maui’s acute care hospital. He complimented the staff and physicians of Maui Memorial for being the “DNA” of the institution, highlighting the facility’s trauma, cardiac, and neuro-intervention programs. “We have a special community that is not to be taken for granted,” said Dr. Weiss. “We need to think about digging deep into our moral courage for the needs of our entire community.”

Adams closed his announcement with an ask to “join in sharing the responsibility to ensure that future generations have access to quality care close to home.” Attendees heeded his message and raised their paddles for the fund-a-need portion of the evening, ultimately raising another $712,500.

With proceeds raised from the holiday event, including Kaiser Permanente’s $4 million, and including funds previously raised, Maui Health Foundation has now raised about two-thirds of the funds needed to build the CDU.

“Words cannot express our immense gratitude for those who came out to support this event. To see friends from all over the island contribute to our mission, one that benefits so many in our county, both residents and visitors alike, is truly a testament to what a special community we have here on Maui,” said Melinda Sweany, Chief Development Officer, Maui Health.