Dr. Poki'i Balaz, DNP, EMBA, APRN

Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive

Dr. Pokiʻi Balaz (Dr. Kealohaku'ualohaku'upoki'i Balaz) has devoted her career to senior health with an emphasis on memory care, brain health, caregivers, and advocacy for underserved populations. As a Native Hawaiian, geriatric nurse practitioner, and caregiver to her father who has Alzheimer’s Disease, Dr. Balaz has seen firsthand how a cultural approach to caregiving improves health outcomes for aging individuals as well as how cultural values motivate the surrounding community to participate in a continuum of care. Her extensive clinical background and focus on resource optimization for the treatment of Alzheimer's and dementia prepared Dr. Balaz to address senior care issues through public policy. Accepting invitations by both her congressman and governor to contribute to the Native Hawaiian Advisory Council and Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs, Dr. Balaz has advocated at the nation’s capital and worked on legislation that protects the interests of aging residents and that educates families on the complexities of healthcare for aging relatives. She is a board member of the Alzheimer's Association, recipient of the Alzheimer Association’s Advocate of the Year Award, Pacific Business News 40 under 40, Hawaii Business Magazine 20 for the next 20, and Certificate of Honor from the Hawai’i State Legislature. Dr Balaz is a double board-certified family nurse practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, an Executive Master of Business Administration from Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi and recently completed the Obama Foundation Scholars Program.