The Hawaiʻi Department of Health, along with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and Adult Mental Health Division, has partnered with community organizations to observe May as Mental Health Month. Tia L. R. Hartsock, director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience, stated, "We are committed to removing barriers for those seeking help and supporting people with the resources they need to care for themselves and their families," and emphasized the importance of building resilient communities to provide essential support, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
In Hawaiʻi, one in seven youth and one in five adults are affected by mental or behavioral health disorders. According to the 2023 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk Behavior Survey, many middle and high school students are not receiving the support they need. About 34% of middle school students report feelings of prolonged sadness or hopelessness, and 16% have seriously considered suicide. Keli Acquaro from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division stated, "Every child deserves to feel seen, heard and supported when it comes to their mental health," as mentioned by the Office of the Governor.
Mental health challenges in Hawaiʻi affect both adults and children, as shown by data from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health and the Hawaiʻi Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Dr. Gavin Takenaka, administrator for the Adult Mental Health Division, stated, "Mental health challenges touch many lives in Hawaiʻi, and prioritizing mental well-being is essential for the health of our entire community." To raise awareness, the state has organized events such as a statewide sign waving on May 8 and green lighting on landmarks. People in need of immediate support can call or text 988 to connect with a crisis counselor. Information on services for children and adults is available on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and Adult Mental Health Division websites, as per the Office of the Governor.
