In May, the DOH and its partners collaborate to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. The awareness is to remind the community of the importance of mental health awareness for everyone: individuals and families across the state.
“Mental Health Month reminds us that we have a responsibility to create environments where young people know they are not alone — places rooted in compassion, connection and understanding,” said Keli Acquaro, CAMHD administrator. “By modeling healthy coping skills and fostering supportive spaces at home, in schools and across our communities, we can help our youth thrive and reach their full potential.”
What You Need To Know
In May, the DOH and its partners collaborate to observe Mental Health Awareness Month.
The awareness is to remind the community of the importance of mental health awareness for everyone
DOH division and community partners will be hosting events promoting healing, communication and building resources
Green is the national color of mental health acceptance, representing hope, strength, support and encouragement
Partners involved in leading the statewide efforts include the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD), the Adult Mental Health Division (AMHD) and the Children’s Mental Health Acceptance (CMHA) Planning Hui.
“In Hawaii, the values of laulima, malama and ohana help connect and ground us in strong mental health practices. By normalizing help-seeking behaviors and providing safe, supportive spaces, we can promote equitable access to care. Acceptance helps break down barriers such as stigma, discrimination and fear — barriers that too often prevent people from seeking the support they need,” said Dr. Gavin Takenaka, AMHD administrator.
DOH division and community partners will be hosting events promoting healing, communication and building resources. There will also be resource fairs and sign waving campaigns led by CAMHD and AMHD teams.
On May 7, mental health providers, community organizations and advocates statewide will participate in sign-waving events to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. For more information, visit keikimentalhealthmatters.com.
Oʻahu:
Honolulu: Hawai‘i State Capitol from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Kailua: Kalaniana‘ole Highway near Ulukahiki Street from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Kapolei: 601 Kamōkila Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Hawaii Island:
Hilo: 88 Kanoelehua Avenue from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Kailua-Kona: 75-5722 Kuakini Highway from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Wailuku: Corner of Maui Lani Parkway and Kaʻahumanu Avenue from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Kauai:
Lihue: Front Lawn, Līhuʻe Old County Building from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Green is the national color of mental health acceptance, representing hope, strength, support and encouragement. The following buildings will display green lights in support of mental health:
Oʻahu:
May 1–31: Ala Moana Center; Central Pacific Bank (Downtown); Hawai‘i Self Storage (Kaimuki and Kapolei); Hawaiki Tower; Nalu Lani Plaza (Kakaako); Pali Momi Medical Center; Windward Mall
May 4–8: Honolulu Hale; Blaisdell Center Arena; Board of Water Supply; Adventist Health Castle; American Savings Bank (Chinatown); IBM Building
May 11–15: HMSA
Hawaii Island:
May 1–31: ʻImiloa Astronomy Center (Hilo)
May 11–29: HPM Building Supply (Hilo, Waimea, Kona)
Kauai:
May 1–31: Kukui Grove Center; Wilcox Medical Center
May 1–14: Kauaʻi Veterans Center & Museum
May 1–15: YWCA of Kauaʻi
Maui:
May 11–29: HPM Building Supply (Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao, Lanai)
The following resources are available if and when people are ready to seek help:
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or is in need of mental health support or resources, call or text 988 or visit Hawai‘i CARES 988 to connect with a locally trained counselor 24/7 who can help with linkage to behavioral health crisis services.
YouthLine is a free 24/7 peer-to-peer help, support, and crisis line for youth up to age 24. Youth are available daily from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. HST (Adults answer at all other times). Call 877-968-8491, text “teen2teen” to 839863, or chat theyouthline.org.
Contact Aloha United Way by calling 211 or using text, chat, or email for access to more than 4,000 local resources.
For more information about children and youth mental health services, visit health.hawaii.gov/camhd. For more information about adult mental health services, visit health.hawaii.gov/amhd.