Rachel Kruse, the Clinical Director for BISAC Detox, and Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, Chief Executive Officer of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, are pictured in the attached photo, standing proudly in front of the Hulihia Ke Ola Detox located at 41 Hoku St. in Hilo.
Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, Chief Executive Officer of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) announced a $1,200,000 award from the County of Hawaii’s Office of Housing and Community Development, Homelessness and Housing Support Grant Fund. This funding will help the operation of “Hulihia Ke Ola” Detox Clinic, the first on Hawai’i Island.
Detoxification and treatment options like the “Hulihia Ke Ola Detox Clinic” will help build the capacity to provide additional units for the most vulnerable populations. The intended outcomes will expand the continuum of care, offer more options by meeting clients where they are in stages of readiness, and increase additional transition housing units for individuals who are ready for re-entry. These service interventions provide comprehensive, holistic care to help the most susceptible, underserved populations that experience chronic illnesses.
“We have been providing medical and behavioral health treatment services to people on Hawaiʻi Island experiencing substance addictions for over five decades, and we have never seen anything approaching the severity of the current opioid and fentanyl crisis,” said Dr. Preston-Pita. “The proliferation of illicit fentanyl has proved a significant challenge to our providers’ ability to care for those ready to change their lives. We are grateful for this award, which allows us to provide effective treatment without punishment. This inpatient facility promises to be a meaningful change for our ability to respond to the needs of our island community.”
“This has been a huge lift for our Team, and we can’t wait to provide this critical resource for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Rachel Lahela Kruse, BISAC Clinical Director. In her over twenty years working with youth, adults, and the community dealing with the struggles of substance abuse, she knows firsthand that there aren’t enough of these types of facilities and programs. “Without this $1,200,000 award, we would not be on the cusp of opening our island’s first and sorely needed Detox clinic. We’re waiting on our final round of building permits and certificate of occupancy from the County, and we will be ready to accept patients in early 2024.” Kruse said.
“Substance use disorders affect all communities and people from all walks of life and all age groups,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “We are here because, in Hawaiʻi County, we encourage individuals in need of treatment and recovery to seek services, and that help starts at BISAC, our island leader in providing compassionate addiction and recovery services.”