Annette Mente has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) Excellence in State Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award, the Hawaii Department of Health announced on Apr. 2.
The award highlights Mente’s more than 25 years of service in strengthening maternal and child health systems in Hawaii. Her leadership comes at a time when public health agencies continue to focus on community well-being, disease prevention, and health education across the state, according to the official website.
As Title V planner for the Family Health Services Division (FHSD), Mente coordinated statewide initiatives and annual reports while guiding FHSD through challenges such as economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew Shim, chief of FHSD, said, “Annette has been a steady, knowledgeable and compassionate leader in maternal and child health. Her commitment to equity and Hawaiʻi families has strengthened our entire MCH system.”
Mente played a key role in ensuring programs address priority communities’ needs by convening an ad hoc health equity committee within FHSD. She also advanced data collection efforts to better understand disparities for equitable decision-making. Collaboration with community-based partners was another focus area; she fostered relationships that promoted culturally grounded public health efforts.
Tellie Matagi, executive director of Tagata Moana Hui Foundation, said, “Annette leads with trust, relationships and deep accountability to community. In places where systems have fallen short, her steady presence, active listening and partnership have helped create responses that are more grounded, culturally aligned and sustainable. This recognition reflects not only her leadership but the collective strength and collaboration across our communities.”
Mente is recognized for supporting workforce development among emerging professionals by strengthening partnerships with institutions like the University of Hawaiʻi as well as connecting staff with national opportunities through AMCHP. “I’m grateful for this recognition,” Mente said. “Our progress in maternal and child health reflects the dedication of our staff, partners and the families whose experiences guide our work.”
The Hawaii State Department of Health operates as a public agency delivering comprehensive services related to environmental protection, disease prevention, wellness promotion statewide according to its official website. The department is headed by a director supported by deputy directors managing key programs; it extends its reach through offices on multiple islands; it also coordinates disaster response through its Office of Public Health Preparedness according to information provided.
