Compassion & Choices is working alongside Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to chart an end-of-life journey that reflects each of our values and priorities. Through community outreach, creative engagement with the arts, educational events, and strategic partnerships, we are empowering people with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions for their future care.

This year, our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island team has been hard at work driving change. Here’s what we’ve achieved in 2025 so far:

• Reached 3,850+ people across Hawai’i, the Pacific, and the diaspora with end-of-life information and resources
• Participated in 7 community events to reach and engage with individuals and families
• Attended and led presentations at 7 conferences and events to educate partners and professionals, foster new collaborations, and grow awareness about the importance of preparing for the end of life

Highlights from the first part of the year include our efforts on the ground in Hawai‘i to connect with community members, including through the powerful vehicle of the arts. By participating in local events such as the Merrie Monarch Festival, Youth Art Summit, Kona Brewers Festival, health outreach fairs, and more, we have reached thousands of people with critical end-of-life information and resources.

In addition to building connections at the community level, Compassion & Choices recognizes the power of collective action and is strengthening ties with fellow non-profits, health professionals, government officials, and other partners. 

This year, our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island team has presented at international and national conferences, including United Nations dialogues on women, youth, and migration and the APAICS’ Annual Health Summit. It was also an honor to join a virtual workshop with Pasefika partners to educate community organizations about end-of-life options and to contribute to the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania’s conference by sharing research on Pasefika perspectives on death and dying. 

As 2025 progresses, we look forward to continuing this momentum. In addition to community-based arts engagement efforts in Hawai’i, two exciting projects on the horizon include working with public health expert Dr. Ramona Tiatia to conduct outreach to medical professionals in the Pacific and mentoring students through Stanford University’s Center for Asian Health Research and Education. By connecting with current and future healthcare providers in these ways, we can transform the way end-of-life care is delivered and make it increasingly culturally relevant and patient-directed.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month — an opportunity to honor the many rich and diverse cultures, values, and traditions of these communities. Give today in honor of AANHPI Heritage Month and help more people in Hawai’i, the Pacific, and beyond access the end-of-life resources and support they deserve.

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