The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) Harm Reduction Services Branch has announced Bryan Chin as the recipient of the 2024 Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award. This recognition will be presented during the World AIDS Day ceremony on December 1. Chin is being acknowledged for his contributions to HIV services in Hawai‘i.
The award honors Suzanne Richmond-Crum, who served as director of the Hawai‘i Seropositivity and Medical Management Program until her death in 2004. Each year, it is given to someone in Hawai‘i who demonstrates exceptional dedication to providing HIV services with competence and compassion.
Chin, a nurse practitioner at the Maui AIDS Foundation (MAF), has been serving the Maui County community since 2014. He started as a medical case manager before advancing his nursing education and becoming a clinical provider. Chin focuses on ensuring that patients are informed, supported, and comfortable in challenging situations. He is a strong advocate for accessible healthcare in Maui County, contributing significantly to MAF’s free sexual health services and rapid entry into HIV care programs.
Steven F. Hire, President of the Board of Directors at MAF, stated: “I first met Bryan when I was executive director of Maui AIDS Foundation (MAF). From my first interactions with him I was impressed with his empathy, compassion and commitment to HIV/AIDS." Hire further praised Chin's initiative in establishing a clinic despite limited resources.
World AIDS Day serves as an occasion to remember those lost to HIV and support individuals living with the virus along with their families and caregivers. The event also acknowledges dedicated healthcare professionals working with affected communities.
This year's World AIDS Day will be observed on Oʻahu at Capitol Modern, Hawai‘i State Art Museum in Honolulu at 5 p.m., where the public can attend the ceremony celebrating this annual award presentation.
For more information about World AIDS Day events statewide, visit https://worldaidsdayhawaii.org/.