Ahupua'a for Healthcare
Ahupua'a for Healthcare
Nurturing Our Caregiver Community
Our Mission
Ahupua'a for Healthcare is my volunteer website. While spending summers volunteering at the Ho'oulu 'Aina Nature preserve in the Kalihi Valley on the island of Oahu, I learned that an ahupua'a is a subdivision of land where all the individuals work in harmony with each other to nurture and restore the land and also share community and connections with each other. I experienced firsthand how rewarding bonding with other individuals over a common cause can be while making a difference. Continuing this spirit of intentional appreciation, I resolved to do what I could to help others knowing that my small efforts could make a meaningful difference. When the Covid pandemic struck and I observed the toll it took on frontline healthcare workers, I was inspired to launch Ahupua'a for Healthcare to show continuing solidarity and appreciation for the tireless efforts of our community healthcare workers.
- Ryan Chang
Ways We Help
My volunteer effort continues to grow. I fundraise and look for thoughtful and creative ways to express appreciation for hospital workers post-Covid. This past year and a half, I have put together care packages with snacks and pampering items, brought in lunches, and shopped for ethnic fruits for the diverse population of healthcare workers at Stanford Hospital. Based on the enthusiastic responses I received, I am planning to expand my fundraising efforts and recruit more people to join me. I enjoyed these events so much and it was so gratifying to see how much these workers enjoyed being acknowledged and supported. I would love to bring these events to more local hospitals.
Appreciation Events
It’s the small things that can make a big difference. Long travel commutes combined with draining hours caring for our community leave little time for healthcare workers to take care of themselves. Their dedication and sacrifices were celebrated while the spotlight shone brightly on them at the beginning of the pandemic for willingly putting themselves in harm’s way to care for patients with an unknown frightening virus. However, as Covid fatigue set in and the acute pandemic crisis subsided, the healthcare workers who continue to do their jobs tirelessly everyday, not just during the pandemic, also faded back into the background. These workers still care for our most sick and vulnerable, still have grueling schedules and long commute times, and still dedicate themselves tirelessly to help others. As people moved on after the first year of the pandemic, I didn’t want these workers to feel forgotten and wanted to express my appreciation for them in some small thoughtful way that would be meaningful.
Who Am I
I am Ryan Chang, a senior at The Harker School in San Jose, California. My family goes back generations in Hawaii, a place which has deeply influenced who I am today. Returning each summer to visit relatives, I became involved with local volunteer organizations such as Ho’oulu Aina Nature Preserve and the Lunalilo Nursing Home. I learned much about the local Hawaiian culture and found many of their native traditions resonating with me. Specifically, I embrace their focus on respect, community and tradition. They open each day with an Aloha Circle to share what’s on their minds and build connections and close each day with a Mahalo Circle to intentionally acknowledge the small and big things they are grateful for. Their outlook on life is refreshing and grounding. Appreciation and giving back to the land and the people are a priority in their culture. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from these experiences and hope to carry these values with me through my own actions.
Past Events
Please join me in future events!
Stanford Hospital
Covid Relief
Care Packages
February 12, 2021
Stanford Hospital
Appreciation
Boxed Lunches
April 2, 2021
Stanford Hospital
Ethnic Fruit Care Packages
July 15, 2022
Donate
If you would like to join me and contribute your time, donate items, or provide funds to support future appreciation events for local healthcare workers, please use the form below to contact me! Mahalo!