Mental Health America of Hawaii

The mission of Mental Health America of Hawaii is to promote mental wellness through education, advocacy, and service. We endeavor to reduce the stigma of mental illness and improve the overall care, treatment and empowerment of those with mental illnesses – children, adults, elders – and their families.

Virtually every family in this country is touched in some way by mental illnesses – in fact, one in five people in America have a diagnosable mental health condition. Through our leadership, we expand mental health awareness, understanding, and action. We advocate to ensure that people with mental health problems have the quality services they deserve.

Our Pono Youth Program aims to reduce risk and cultivate resiliency in the young people of Hawaii. It targets youth (ages 12-25) from high risk populations including: native Hawaiian youth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) youth, youth with special needs, foster and former-foster youth, young mental health consumers, adjudicated youth, and rural youth.

The Pono Youth Program consists of three projects:

Youth Suicide and Bullying Project – Education and advocacy about how to identify, intervene, and get help for depression, suicide, and bullying >>

Grow a Rainbow – Resources and strategies for supporting LGBTQ youth and families >>

College Mental Health Project – Trainings and awareness about mental health and mental illness on community college campuses >>