Updated at 10:37 a.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2007
10 meetings set to discuss Hawaii mental health issues
Advertiser Staff
A series of public meetings about mental health issues affecting Hawai'i will begin statewide tomorrow.Health officials will hold 10 meetings on the Big Island, Kaua'i, Lana'i, Maui and Moloka'i. Opportunities are also available to join a subcommittee, participate in an interview, join a focus group or contact the Transformation Working Group with ideas.
The meetings are the start of the development of a "Comprehensive Mental Health Plan" to improve mental health services on all islands.
The meetings are funded through a $10.9 million Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant, which was administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The five-year grant provides funding to assist in transforming the delivery of quality mental health services across the state.
"We invite the public to participate in these 'talk story' sessions where we hope to gather as much information at possible about the mental health needs of all our communities in Hawaii," Hawai'i's Health Director Chiyome Fukino said in a press release issued today.
"This is an important issue, and we have the best opportunity now to make significant changes in how our mental health services are provided statewide."
For more information, contact the state Department of Health at transformation@doh.hawaii.gov or 586-4114.
Here's a list of the scheduled meetings:
8:15-11:30 a.m., Kulana 'Oiwi Halau, 610 Mauanloa Highway
For additional information, call: 808-984-8200
4–7 p.m., Hale Akoakoa, Room 105, 45-720 Kea'ahala Road
For additional information, call 586-4113
3:30-6:30 p.m., King Kaumuali'I Library, 4380 Hanamaulu Road
For additional information, call 808-241-3614
Noon – 3 p.m., Hana Library, Hana High and Elementary School
For additional information, call 808-984-8200
4 – 7 p.m., Lana'i High and Elementary School Cafeteria
For additional information, call: 808-984-8200
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Pahala Community Center
For additional information, call 808-974-6006
5 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Hilo County Aupuni Conference Center, 101 Pauahi St.
For additional information, call 808-974-6006
8:15-11:15 a.m., KS Community Learning Center, 89-101 Farrington Highway
For additional information, call 586-4113
9:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m., W.M. Keck Observatory Conference Room, 65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway
For additional information, call 808-974-6006
3:30 p.m.-6:30 pm., Kealakehe High School Cafeteria, 74-5000 Pu'ohulihuli St.
For additional information, call: 974-6006
11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cameron Center, 95 Mahalani St.
For additional informational, call 877-9849
9 a.m. – noon, Hanapepe Neighborhood Cnt., 4451 Pu'olo Road.
For additional information, call 241-3614.
