Hilo's dedication to mental health awareness and support in law enforcement was put on full display as the Big Island chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) awarded Detective Jason Grouns with the first-ever Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of the Year award. The ceremony, a precursor to the annual NAMIWalks event in Wailoa River State Park, showcased the local commitment to mental health in an era craving conscious law enforcement, reports the Hawaii Police Department.
Attended by community members and activists alike, the event underscored the importance of CIT training, which Grouns has championed within the Hawaii Police Department. This initiative has been supported by both current and former mayors, illustrating a united front within local government—a testament to the importance placed on mental health proficiency within public safety efforts. Susan McGovern, NAMIWalks Big Island manager, highlighted, “Under his leadership, Hawai‘i Police Department, the County of Hawai‘i Mayor’s Office under current Mayor Dr. Kimo Alameda and former Mayor Mitch Roth, and NAMI Big Island have certified more than 20 percent of our law enforcement officers in Crisis Intervention Team training,” as noted by the Hawaii Police Department.
Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna praised Grouns for his work, which has not only equipped officers with vital tools but also ushered in a wave of empathy and professional acumen in a realm fraught with challenges often misunderstood. "Crisis Intervention Team training gives our officers the skills and understanding to approach mental health crises with empathy and professionalism," Mahuna said in a statement obtained by the Hawaii Police Department.
Grouns, who embarked on this journey with his own CIT training back in 2018, remarked how the pandemic, while putting a hold on his plans, could not quell the mission to equip his colleagues with the necessary insight and compassion to assist those in crisis, "My own journey started when I received my CIT training in 2018 and immediately began planning to get more department members trained," Grouns reflected. Despite the setbacks, the detective pushed forward, ultimately getting the program's wheels turning with regular bi-annual training sessions being held across the Big Island, according to the same release.
As part of a nationwide effort, NAMI held 190 walks across the country, including the event in Hilo. The initiative highlights the growing call for stronger mental health advocacy and better support systems. Those interested in getting involved can contact NAMI Big Island’s Susan McGovern at (808) 640-5686 or by email.
