Mental Health Month to be honored at the Capitol on Wednesday

HONOLULU — To bring awareness to mental health, the Department of Health is hosting “May is Mental Health Month: Day at the Capitol” on Wednesday. 

More than two dozen service providers and community organizations will be at the Hawaii State Capitol from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to share information about the advocacy initiatives. 

The DOH hopes the event will help foster acceptance of mental health care and end the prejudice that creates barriers to seeking treatment, according to a news release. 

Mental health concerns are a significant public health issue for people of all ages. 

• One in six kids (aged 2-8 years) has a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• One in five adults live with a mental health concern, according to the National Institute of Health
• One in four older adults ages 65 years or older will experience a mental health concern, according to the National Council on Aging

“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 the DOH Adult Mental Health Division, in the news release.

The DOH urges anyone who is experiencing an emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide or needs extra emotional support or resources to help with substance use to call, text or chat Hawaii CARES 988 free 24/7 call center to connect with a locally trained counselor who can help. People looking for support can also call, text or email Aloha United Way 211, which has access to over 4,000 local resources.   

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.