Hawai`i Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant leaders joined other health officials and held "talk story" sessions in communities statewide to gather information from residents regarding the mental health needs of their communities. At that time, community members were also invited to participate in monthly Sub Working Group meetings leading to recommendations to be included in the plan.

Over the past five months, recommendations were developed in seven area: 1) Promoting and Understanding Mental Health; 2) Consumers and Families as Drivers; 3) Early Intervention; 4) Accelerating and Expanding Quality Services; 5) High Tech and Local Touch; 6) Workforce and Community Supports; and 7) Evaluation.

This new series of meetings will be a return to the communities for review of the recommendations being considered for inclusion in the final plan. These two-hour meetings may include participation from community members from the sub working groups, representatives from the State Planning Council on Mental Health, and other key stakeholders.

Meetings will be held on the islands of Hawai`i (4), O`ahu (3), Kaua`i (2), Maui (2), Lana`i (1), and Moloka`i (1). For more information or to RSVP, email: transformation@doh.hawaii.gov or call Carol Medina at (808) 453-6618 or Diane Lee at (808) 453-6649.

The meetings are funded through a $10.95 million grant administered by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides funding over five years to assist in transforming the delivery of quality mental health services across the state.

This is the schedule of meetings:

Date/Time Location

i Jan. 22 O`ahu - Central 6 – 8 p.m.,Aliamanu Middle School Cafeteria, 3271 Salt Lake Blvd.

i Jan. 23 O`ahu – Windward (Kane`ohe), 4–6 p.m. King Intermediate School Cafeteria, 46-155 Kamehameha Hwy.

i Jan. 24 Kaua`i - Hanapepe,4 – 6 p.m. Hanapepe Neighborhood Center, 4451 Puolo Rd.

i Jan. 28 Lana`i 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Lana`i High School Cafeteria

i Jan. 28 Moloka`i 4 – 6 p.m. Kulana 'Oiwi Halau, 610 Maunaloa Hwy.

i Jan. 30 Maui (Wailuku)

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cameron Center, 95 Mahalani St. Please RSVP 808- 984-2156

i Jan. 31 Kaua`i (Kapa`a)

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Kapa`a High School Cafeteria, 4695 Mailihuna Rd.

i Feb. 1 Maui (Hana)

1 – 3 p.m. Hana High & Elem. School Library

i Feb. 4 Hawai`i (Kamuela)

1:30 – 3:30 p.m. W.M. Keck Observatory Conf. Rm., 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy.

i Feb. 4 Hawai`i (Kailua-Kona)

6 – 8 p.m. Kahakai Elementary School Cafeteria, 76-147 Royal Poinciana Dr.

i Feb. 5 O`ahu (Leeward-Nanakuli)

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. K.S. Community Learning Center at Nanakuli, 89-101 Farrington Hwy.

i Feb. 6 O`ahu (East) 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Kalani High School Cafeteria, 4680 Kalaniana`ole Hwy

i Feb. 7 Hawai`i (Hilo)

4 – 6 p.m. Department of Health, 101 Pauahi St.

i Feb. 7 Hawai`i (Ka`u)