The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) has received a significant boost to its medical programs, thanks to two major grants from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, totaling over $2.2 million. These grants are earmarked for distinct but interconnected health-oriented initiatives, signaling a strong commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and workforce capacity within the state. This infusion of capital is poised to impact a variety of stakeholders, including doctors, nurses, researchers and, by extension, the local economy.
One of the grants will jump start the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center (EPCRC) at the UH Cancer Center. This new center, slated to open in March 2026, will be the first in Hawaiʻi, offering local residents access to pioneering cancer trials, eliminating the need for costly travel to the mainland for early-stage studies hawaii.edu. The UH Cancer Center already ranks among the top cancer centers in the U.S., making this expansion a significant step forward in cancer treatment accessibility for the community.
The second major aspect of Helmsley's support focuses on upgrading medical education throughout Hawaiʻi. Funds will be used to modernize simulation and training resources at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and on the neighbor islands. This includes the acquisition of Anatomage Tables – virtual dissection systems – and portable ultrasounds and advanced procedural models. These investments are designed to ensure that students and healthcare professionals across the state have equitable access to cutting-edge education, ultimately preparing a more skilled workforce to meet Hawaiʻi's unique healthcare demands hawaii.edu.
This commitment to healthcare extends Helmsley’s broader focus on supporting initiatives that improve healthcare access and quality. Previous grants from the trust have focused on improving healthcare in rural communities and the Pacific Islands helmsleytrust.org. This recent investment in UH underscores the importance of local medical education and research. For entrepreneurs, this development could lead to opportunities in medical technology, research support services, and specialized healthcare training. Investors will likely see this as a positive sign, as it strengthens the local healthcare sector and signals a commitment to cultivating top talent within the state.
