Wai'anae High School Health Learning Lab — Healthcare Association of Hawaii

Wai’anae High School Health Learning Lab
’Aulama I Ke Ola

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH) unveiled its first innovative 'Aulama I Ke Ola health learning lab at Wai'anae High School this week.

The Waiʻanae health learning lab serves as the proof-of-concept for a multi-year initiative called ʻAulama I Ke Ola, which means “to light the torch to health and well-being.”

HAH's vision of a statewide best-in-nation network of modern health learning spaces will allow high school students to practice real-life clinical skills designed to reflect real-world healthcare environments.

Built to help address Hawai'i's growing healthcare workforce needs, this health learning lab is the first step toward training high school students through the Health Services Pathway to fill critical roles in the healthcare field.

Here is what the Wai‘anae High School students are saying about their experience in the new Health Learning Lab and how it is helping them explore exciting opportunities in healthcare.

“This space is a big difference for everyone. Being here lets me practice better and gives me more confidence,” Wai’anae High School senior Kaomi Chase says. “With [the Health Learning Lab], it’s like my dream is coming true to pursue healthcare.”

“Despite the negative assumptions about Wai’anae, it is good that the growing opportunities have made a more positive impression on the community. With the exposure of our new healthcare learning lab to the public, I hope to inspire people of all ages to make a difference in their community.” - Abigail Felicia Garcesano, student.

“Despite all the negative stereotypes Wai’anae may have, this room is something that my peers and I are proud of.” - Angelique Yamada, student.

Click here to see the press release.

Mahalo to the funders and partners who made this health learning lab a reality!