Two graduates from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Department of Public Health Sciences were nationally honored for their leadership in maternal and child health. Renzymeir Baloran and Eden Sun received the Emerging Maternal and Child Health Professional Award from the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The award recognizes professionals under 45 who have made significant contributions to the health of women, children and families. Baloran and Sun, who earned their master’s of public health (MPH) in spring 2022 and spring 2023 respectively, currently oversee the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) program at the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. The program supports pediatric providers with teleconsultation, training, technical assistance and care coordination to help diagnose, treat and refer children and youth with behavioral health needs.
Shaping the future of pediatric mental health
In collaboration with the Hawaii Community Foundation and The Queen’s Medical Center, the pair launched the Mental Health Pediatric Access Line, the state’s first support line dedicated to pediatric primary care providers. Their work has expanded into crisis response and workforce development, including mental health support during the Lahaina wildfires and statewide pediatric training.
“In public health, we are always learning and listening,” said Sun. “We have some knowledge and understanding, but to move forward with our work, we must also learn from and collaborate with others who are experts about their communities and fields.”
Mentorships that shaped their paths
Their interest in public health was shaped during their time in MPH program. Baloran, who specialized in health policy and management, credits the program’s mentorship and hands-on experience for laying the foundation for her career.
“Dr. Elizabeth McFarlane has played a pivotal role in shaping my career path,” said Baloran. “Her support and motivation were constant throughout my entire graduate program. Everything I learned became incredibly relevant in my work, reinforcing how foundational Dr. McFarlane’s mentorship has been to my professional growth.”
Sun, who specialized in social and behavioral health sciences, said her commitment to community engagement was influenced by coursework in health promotion, theory and research methods. She credits Jane Chung-Do for her encouragement and support during and after the program. Sun also received guidance from McFarlane, who co-chaired her capstone and introduced her to Baloran, who later brought her onto the PMHCA team.
“As an advisor, Dr. Chung-Do was so supportive and really understood our experiences as students,” said Sun. “I’m truly grateful that even after finishing our graduate program, she continues to be an integral part of our public health journey.”
The Department of Public Health Sciences is housed in the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health.
