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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

We want to take this opportunity to remind our valued participants and families that mental health is just as important as physical health. Take a look at some of the great local resources from Hawaii's Department of Health that can provide support for kids, adults and parents alike.

  • Hawai‘i Women in Filmmaking Watch Party with Q&A: Accessible on the @HIWomeninFilmmaking Facebook page. Email [email protected] for the Zoom meeting invitation.
  • The Hawai‘i Arts Alliance & Mental Health America of Hawai‘i Healing Arts Series: “A Look Within Through Creativity” will be running every Wednesday at 12pm in May starting May 6. For more information or to register, contact Sara Mizban at [email protected].
  • National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health: Resources and activities available through the month of May, and accessible at https://www.ffcmh.org/cmha-activites-for-youth.

If you or your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call Hawai’i CARES (Coordinated Access Resource Entry System) to access free support at any time of day. Call 1 (800) 753-6879 or text ALOHA to 741741, or visit http://www.health.hawaii.gov for more information.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] with questions.

Early Intervention (EI)

In honor of Teachers Appreciation Week (May 3-7), we want to highlight the EI special educators and teachers who have helped children and families navigate online learning this past year, all while still fostering development. By optimizing learning opportunities in daily routines, young children are better prepared for preschool, socialization with other children and transitioning back to in-person environments.

May is also Better Hearing & Speech Month, which raises awareness of communication disorders and the impacts made by speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Often working closely with Early Interventionists, SLPs help children develop their ability to communicate with others to express their needs, feelings, thoughts and ideas.

Did you know that in-person EI services in Hawaii are now allowed under the guidance from the Department of Health? Read more here. Please reach out to your Care Coordinator if you’re interested in resuming in-person EI services.

Home and Community-Based Services

We’re thrilled to share that we are in the early stages of reopening our service centers for Home and Community-Based Services! In preparation for our return to in-person care, we’re taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of our program participants and staff. Here’s what we will remain committed to as we reopen our 7 service centers across 4 islands:

  • Deep cleaning and sanitization at each service center
  • Daily checklists for frequent disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and thorough cleanings at the end of each day
  • Reconfiguration of administrative staff and program areas to allow for social distancing
  • Placement of visual reminders on walls and floors to promote social distancing

We’ll be sharing more information about in-person services, so stay tuned for updates!

Autism Services

Our Autism program is in the beginning phases of resuming in-person care as part of our hybrid approach to services. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue developing this new service model. As always, the health and safety of participants, families and staff remain our top priority.

As we return to in-person services, all employees will be equipped with PPE and thoroughly trained on infection screening and control protocols.

Did you know?

Governor Ige just announced a new federal program to support qualifying households across the state in accessing internet service. Eligible households can receive up to $50 per month to pay for broadband service, and qualifying lessees on Hawaiian Home Lands can apply to receive up to $75 per month. To learn more about qualifying and additional discounts under this new program, click here.

For general questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]

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