Left to Right: Carleton Schiller, Angela Mariano, Richard Rameriz, Johanna Su, Keona Maldonado.
This semester, the Student Nurses Association (SNA) at HPU launched an inspiring new volunteer partnership with the Hawai‘i Health & Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC). The initiative, led by SNA Student President Carleton “CJ” Schiller, was designed to increase student participation in community-based service while giving nursing students the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world settings beyond the traditional clinical environment.
HPU students (left to right): Angela Mariano, Johanna Su, Keona Maldonado .
“After three semesters of nursing courses, I asked myself: what can SNA offer that our School of Nursing does not?” Schiller shared. “When I learned about Dr. Richard Ramirez’s work with HHHRC, I saw an opportunity for nursing students to serve and learn in a meaningful, hands-on way.”
Under the guidance of Richard Ramirez, DNP, APRN, student volunteers assisted on HHHRC’s medical mobile unit (MMU), affectionately called “Ka‘a Lawe Pono” (the vehicle that delivers wellness). The MMU provides low-barrier, street-level healthcare services for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, or barriers to traditional healthcare.
Hands-On Learning Through Service
During volunteer sessions, SNA students practiced a variety of clinical skills including:
- Basic wound care and dressing changes
- STI testing and specimen collection
- Health education and patient communication
- Medication education and follow-up instructions
These experiences, supervised by Ramirez, allowed students to apply classroom knowledge in a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment—serving individuals who are often underserved or overlooked.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Schiller. “Students gain experience, HHHRC gains support, and our houseless community receives care and dignity.”
Student volunteers Angela Mariano, Johanna Su, and Keona Maldonado echoed this sentiment, expressing how empowering it was to provide meaningful care without the pressure of grades or evaluation.
“It felt good to focus entirely on the patient,” one student noted. “I’d love to go back. It was an incredible learning experience.”
Building Bridges Between Learning and Service
This initiative represents a new direction for SNA, aligning with Schiller’s goal to make SNA a more active and impactful organization. The mission: To establish partnerships that give nursing students hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a deeper understanding of community health.
By partnering with HHHRC, SNA students not only sharpen their clinical skills but also strengthen their professional connections with community health leaders, opening doors for future preceptorships and employment.
A Vision for the Future
HPU Assistant Professor Joy A. Bliss, Ph.D., RN, Chair of the BSN Program, and Student Nurses Association Faculty Advisor commended the students’ initiative, stating that “this partnership embodies the true spirit of nursing—compassion, service, and lifelong learning. It’s a beautiful example of how our student leaders are shaping the future of healthcare in Hawai‘i.”
The SNA expresses a mahalo to Ramirez and the dedicated staff at HHHRC for their mentorship and support in making this partnership a success.
The SNA continues to expand its community partnerships to inspire future nurses to serve with skill, humility, and aloha.
How to Get Involved: Interested in volunteering with HHHRC through SNA?
- Contact: HPU SNA Leadership Team
- Email: sna@my.hpu.edu
- Faculty Advisor: Joy Bliss, Chair, BSN Program
- Opportunities include wound care, community outreach, and public health support alongside HHHRC professionals.
- Earn SNA points and community health volunteer hours while making a real difference!
Meet the Leaders Behind the Initiative
Carleton “CJ” Schiller
HPU Nursing Student and SNA President
Schiller is passionate about empowering fellow nursing students to apply their learning in community settings. His leadership in establishing the HHHRC partnership reflects his commitment to hands-on education, service, and compassionate care.
Richard Ramirez, DNP, APRN
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, HHHRC & Former HPU Faculty
Ramirez specializes in street-based medicine, addiction treatment, HIV/PrEP/PEP management, and LGBTQ+ primary care services. He continues to mentor nursing students in providing compassionate, low-barrier healthcare across Hawai‘i.
