MCH “Den Mother” Doris Segal Matsunaga Retires

The Maternal Child Health (MCH) team organized a fun send-off for its fearless leader Doris Segal-Matsunaga on May 29. After 12 years, she passes the baton to incoming MCH Director Sara Bauer.

Staff rotated in and out of the Judd Clinic lunch room in shifts, while others including Doris’ family partied along virtually at their computers. The hybrid celebration brimmed with music, dancing, fond memories, and laughter as well as tears. Well-wishers draped lei and gifts over a proxy guest of honor, hugs sadly deferred for now.

Heartfelt words of appreciation flowed. MCH Parenting Educator Milli Samifua spoke of Doris’ gentleness, kindness, patience, and constant support. “We’re so grateful we got to know you, Doris. You’re the number one boss, leader. We love you and wish you the best. Enjoy the next journey of your life sharing with your loved ones.”

Dr. Laura DeVilbiss also thanked Doris for her thoughtful ideas and impassioned advocacy fighting for Kalihi’s vulnerable families. “We’re really going to miss you but know you won’t stop working to change the world — because you’re Doris.” TikTok sensation Sheryl Yoshimura and the Nutrition team performed a dance in her honor, and David Derauf also busted a move with Doris and the Chuukese ladies of MCH.

Originally from Washington DC, Doris came to Hawai’i in the 1970s and earned her master’s in public health at the University of Hawai’i. While working at a women’s health center there she helped KKV to develop health services for women. She later joined KKV in 2008, after tenures at two other O‘ahu community health centers.

As the self-described “glorified den mother for an amazing group” of community health workers and educators, Doris led MCH in offering a walk-in family planning clinic, and launching innovative cross-cultural childbirth class and parenting programs. KKV’s ‘Ohana Play & Learn Room that fosters literacy and parent-child bonding is unique among community health centers nationwide. Increased integration of MCH services with nutrition, dental, medical and pediatric care enabled KKV to “build a family friendly medical home for our patients,” Doris said. “Interacting with our families and children with aloha, having wall mount toys and books and things accessible all the time, say: ‘You belong here.’”

Doris took daily joy walking around the clinic and engaging with children and parents. “I’d catch the baby’s eye or catch the parents doing something really, ‘Oh Dad, I love the way baby’s looking at your face, look at how he’s following everything you’re doing’— just that can reinforce the positive.”

Doris and her husband will relocate to Hawai‘i island. She will pursue her passions for writing, blogging, photography and hone her skills as a healing touch practitioner. With more time to fuel her advocacy efforts (Save Medicaid Hawai‘i), she smiles, “God help the politicians in this town.”

“I feel incredibly lucky and thrilled beyond words to end my career at KKV at a time like this,” Doris reflected, “In a crisis some organizations freeze or stumble, and some jam. KKV’s a jammer. For me it’s been a real privilege working here, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. I’m very confident because I know, ‘Oh yeh, KKV’s got this. Sara’s got this.’ Keep on jamming.”