04/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2024 14:48
HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) and its partners are joining together in the month of May for Mental Health Month to encourage Hawaiʻi residents to foster acceptance of mental health care and end the prejudice and discrimination that create barriers to seeking treatment.
DOH Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD), Adult Mental Health Division (AMHD), the Children's Mental Health Acceptance (CMHA) Planning Hui and community partners are participating in this effort to positively impact social change by focusing on equity and inclusion for people with mental health concerns.
Mental Health Month encourages people to start the difficult conversation about caring for our mental well-being, which is a significant public health issue for all ages:
To bring awareness to the importance of mental health, please join us to celebrate "May Is Mental Health Month: Day at the Capitol" on May 1 from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Take a mental health break and get some sunshine and fresh air at this public event at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Twenty-seven youth and adult service providers and community organizations will be educating and sharing about their advocacy initiatives.
Green is the national color of mental health acceptance, representing hope, strength, support and encouragement for people who live with mental health concerns. The following buildings will display green lights in support of mental health:
Oʻahu:
Kauaʻi:
ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IN HAWAII
The 2021 HawaiʻiYouth Risk Behavior Survey data for children and youth revealed some key findings:
"It's time for us to move from awareness of children's mental health concerns to acceptance," said Keli Acquaro, acting administrator for CAMHD. "This means that we need to accept that mental health concerns are a part of the human condition and focus on how we can build more supportive and nurturing communities for our keiki. We can all do our part by showing the young people in our lives that we care."
In Hawaiʻi, about 21.5% of adults had a mental illness in the past year, according to 2021 and 2022 NSDUH state-level estimates.
Additionally, the 2022 Hawaiʻi Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) showed that in the state:
"In light of recent disasters and tragedies, it is even more critical that residents have access to responsive, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive mental health support," said Dr. Courtenay Matsu, acting administrator for AMHD.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional crisis, thoughts of suicide, in need of extra emotional support or resources to help with substance use, call, text, or chat Hawai'i CARES 988 free 24/7 call center to connect with a locally trained counselor who can help with linkage to behavioral health crisis services. Call Aloha United Way 211, or text, chat or email for over 4,000 local resources.
For more information about children's mental health services, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/camhd/. For more information about adult mental health services, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/.
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