In collaboration with CARE Hawai‘i, DOH has launched a new crisis counseling assistance program to provide support to both children and adults experiencing challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The new program, called “Kū Makani – The Hawai’i Resiliency Project,” offers counseling, education, information, and resource navigation while promoting healthy coping, empowerment, and resilience. Amy Curtis, Adult Mental Health Division Administrator said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has touched everyone in the islands, from keiki to kūpuna. We are pleased to be able to provide yet another resource to help those of us who need some extra support right now.”

Residents can access “Kū Makani” by calling Hawai‘i CARES 1-800-753-6879 and selecting option #1 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and state holidays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Services are available for children, teenagers, and adults. Trained crisis counselors are located on each major island, including staff bilingual in Ilokano, Spanish, Hawaiian, Tongan, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Japanese, Palauan, and Samoan.

This expansion was made possible by a $2.1 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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