In the immediate aftermath of the terrible fireworks explosion that rocked Āliamanu on New Year's Day, the Hawai‘i Department of Health has been on the ground providing much-needed support to the community. Health professionals and social workers from the Hawai‘i Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration did not waste time, starting their outreach on January 2, with a focus on counseling, post-trauma interventions, debriefing, and even distributing water and informational resources on mental health support, according to the Office of the Governor.
"People were clearly traumatized and still in shock," Kathleen Merriam, a mental health supervisor with the DOH Adult Mental Health Division, said in a statement. The aid workers returned a week later for further follow-ups, and according to Merriam, their efforts were met with positive feedback from the residents who, were very receptive to the assistance and the 988 phone number as a helpful resource, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
For anyone seeking help or needing to talk to a counselor, Hawai‘i Cares offers multiple avenues to connect with professionals. Interested individuals can learn more at their website or directly place a call to reach a counselor at 808-832-3100, 800-753-6879, or simply dial 988. For extended information on coping with trauma, residents are also guided to consult the Hawai‘i Department of Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division's website, where additional support materials are available, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
