Governor Josh Green, M.D., expressed his enthusiasm for the opening of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) in Iwilei, stating, “The BHCC offers people crisis care tailored to their individual needs." The center, which provides short-term, sub-acute crisis services, aims to fill a critical gap in the crisis care continuum and decrease the burden on community emergency departments.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also shared his pride in the new facility, highlighting its potential to make a significant difference for those in deep need. Mayor Blangiardi emphasized the importance of collaboration between the city and state in addressing mental health and homelessness issues.
Dr. Kenneth Fink, DOH director, emphasized that the BHCC serves as an entry point for further stabilization and treatment, with the goal of reducing the need for crisis services and keeping individuals stable. He credited the commitment of Governor Green and Mayor Blangiardi to mental health and homelessness as crucial in establishing the center.
The BHCC, operated by CARE Hawaii, is staffed with a team of healthcare professionals to provide crisis care in a safe and nurturing environment. Dr. Chad Koyanagi, DOH Crisis Continuum and Medicaid Services Medical Director, noted that the facility offers trauma-informed care in a comfortable setting, tailored to individuals who may have faced significant life adversities.
With a capacity to accommodate 16 individuals in initial crisis and nine stabilization beds, the BHCC aims to minimize law enforcement involvement in crisis situations and reduce reliance on hospital emergency rooms. The facility is the first of its kind in the state and is part of the Governor's plan to expand crisis centers and increase crisis care capacities statewide.
The BHCC will cost approximately $6.7 million per year to operate and is seen as a crucial addition to the larger system of care for mental health and homelessness in Hawaii.