Children’s Mental Health Program Receives Federal Funding Boost

Prior to the pandemic, Hawaii youth have been shown to be at relatively higher risk for mental health and substance use challenges compared to their mainland peers.
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The Hawaii Department of Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division has received a four-year $11.8 million grant that is expected to help 2,400 children statewide.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic and other societal stressors will have lasting impacts on the wellness of our children and families,” said the division’s Acting Administrator, Dr. Scott Shimabukuro. “These funds offer the opportunity to use cutting-edge strategies to address this growing crisis in our state.”

The division offers free mental health services for young people ages 3 to 21 years old and provides therapy at home or in the community for emotional and behavioral health challenges.

Aaron Hoff, Keala Foundation, Kauai, Suicide, Youth, Prevention, Mental Health, Crossfit
The pandemic has affected the mental health of children across Hawaii, especially because of physical distancing requirements. Courtesy: Keala Foundation/2020

Funds are from the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Several partners will be involved in programming, including the Department of Human Services Social Services & Med-QUEST Divisions, Office of Youth Services, Family Court of the Judiciary, Hawaii Youth Services Network, EPIC Ohana, Child and Family Service, Kinai ‘Eha, University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Psychology, and others.

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