Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month holds a special meaning across our health system. For Jessalyn Smith, corporate communications coordinator at the CHRISTUS Ministry System Office, it’s a time to celebrate her family's rich cultural legacy while sharing the traditions she holds most dear. "As a person of AANHPI descent who has lived in Hawai'i for most of my life, I am grateful to have been immersed in a rich cultural melting pot of many customs and traditions. I grew up in a culture of warmth and respect. Familiar are the greetings of kisses on the cheek, affectionately calling all adults "aunty" or "uncle" regardless of their relation to you and more. Hawai'i has a small community feel, where we respect our elders, care for the children and the land and work cooperatively rather than individually, " Jessalyn shares. "Being part of the AANHPI community fills me with pride, as it embodies a legacy of hard work, sacrifice and love that I deeply admire and now carry." (fb)

This week, we loved celebrating our nurses in honor of #NationalNursesWeek. Happy National Nurses Week to our nurses! Your commitment heals, your care comforts and your love transforms lives. Thank you for answering the call to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. (fb)