Navigating Healthcare, Island Style

Imua’s Healthcare Navigators Are Expanding and Reaching More People Than Ever

Navigating healthcare can feel like trying to solve a maze blindfolded. But for individuals and families across Maui County—especially those facing tough circumstances—Imua Family Services’ Healthcare Navigators are here to make the process simple, accessible, and human.

These dedicated professionals assist people with applying for medical insurance like Medicaid/QUEST, walking them through a confusing system with compassion, clarity, and care. And now, thanks to new growth and exciting partnerships, the Navigator team is reaching more communities than ever before.

A Growing Team Making a Big Impact

To keep up with rising demand, the Healthcare Navigator team has grown! We recently welcomed Gertrudes Holder, a full-time team member who brings heart, hustle, and a wealth of knowledge to the role. Gertie is already helping expand our outreach and assisting individuals with medical applications, both in-office and in the field.

The team is also partnering with the Maui Police Department’s Maui Core Bus, a mobile outreach effort that connects with unsheltered individuals throughout the island. This unique collaboration allows Navigators to bring services directly to Maui’s homeless population—meeting people where they are, sometimes quite literally.

Whether someone lives in a tent in Kahului, a remote home in Hana, or an apartment in Lahaina, the goal remains the same: connect them with the healthcare coverage they need and deserve.

New Locations, Broader Reach

While Imua’s main offices remain in Wailuku, our Healthcare Navigators now have two new satellite outreach centers:

• One at Kākoʻo Maui in the Maui Mall
• Another at the Lahaina Office of Recovery at the Lahaina Gateway Center

These community-based locations help make face-to-face services more accessible for families still recovering from the devastating wildfires or dealing with other barriers to care.

And let’s not forget—Imua’s Healthcare Navigators don’t just work on Maui. Our team regularly travels to Molokai and Lanai, offering in-person support to residents who are often left out of traditional healthcare outreach. It’s part of our belief that “county-wide” really means county-wide.

Friendly, Flexible, and Focused on You

What makes Imua’s Navigators so effective isn’t just their training—it’s their approach.

They’re flexible with appointments, often meeting clients after hours or on weekends. They provide translation services, tech support for virtual meetings, and even emotional encouragement when the process feels overwhelming.

Clients often describe our Navigators as the “last stop” after running into dead ends elsewhere. For many, they are the difference between going without insurance and finally being able to see a doctor.

And the support doesn’t stop at medical coverage. Navigators also assist with SNAP/EBT applications (food assistance). Often, if someone qualifies for Medicaid, they qualify for SNAP too—so being able to handle both applications at once can be a game-changer.

Real People, Real Results

Take, for example, the family of four who recently came to us unsure how to get covered. They’d been putting off applying for insurance because the process seemed too complex. But with a little help from the Navigator team, they walked out with Medicaid coverage for the whole family and approval for SNAP benefits.

No endless paperwork. No confusion. Just results.

Looking Ahead

The future for the Healthcare Navigator program is looking bright. With new partnerships, new staff, and new locations across Maui County, the team is set to help even more residents access essential services with dignity and care.

As we continue our mission to build a healthier, more connected Maui, we invite anyone in need—or anyone who knows someone in need—to reach out.

Whether it’s in Wailuku, Lahaina, Hana, Molokai, or Lanai, Imua’s Healthcare Navigators are ready to walk beside you every step of the way.

For more information or to connect with a Navigator, visit discoverimua.com/healthcare-navigator.