From Our Community, for Our Community
Like many things in Hawaiʻi, healthcare is complex. We understand the health of our community is dependent on an interwoven ecosystem of resources and providers, as well as social, cultural, economic, and geographic factors. And we understand that the only way to transform our healthcare system is by working together.
Community First is proud to lead that charge. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we serve as a catalyst for community-led solutions to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health outcomes for all Hawaiʻi Island residents.
Our vision is a Hawaiʻi Island where we embrace our kuleana for our personal and community health by collectively working to expand access to quality, affordable, culturally-informed healthcare.
Community First is a proud member of the National Rural Health Association and the Hawai’i State Rural Health Association, and is certified by USFCR to apply for federal grants.
Community First was founded in 2014 by the late Barry Taniguchi, CEO of KTA Super Stores and dedicated community service advocate. For over a decade, we have convened Hawaiʻi Island communities and healthcare stakeholders to collectively advance strategies and policies that improve equitable access to quality, affordable healthcare, both on Hawaiʻi Island and across our state.
Hawai'i Island Roots
Our Impact: Connecting for Change
Our systems-focused programs have improved healthcare delivery and community health on Hawaiʻi Island, increased health literacy amongst disadvantaged patient populations, and enhanced collaboration between healthcare and social service organizations throughout Hawaiʻi Island. Community First has emerged as the trusted convener in the healthcare and social services space on Hawaiʻi Island, fostering consensus around the idea that our toughest healthcare challenges can only be solved by working together.
Our Programs: Addressing Systems
Through our programs, we aim to achieve health equity in our community by shifting the model of healthcare from reactively treating disease to proactively caring for the health of every person on Hawaiʻi Island.
