The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD) has received an $11.99 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This four-year system of care improvement grant, titled “Workforce Activities in Action (WAʻA): Building Capacity for CAMHD’s Youth Through Equity,” began on September 30, 2024.
The WA‘A initiative aims to enhance existing CAMHD programs and introduce new strategies to improve mental health services for youth in Hawaiʻi. The program focuses on strengthening behavioral health workforce capacity and quality while increasing access to culturally appropriate and evidence-informed supports. These efforts align with CAMHD's mission to provide quality mental health services for children and families across Hawaiʻi.
There is a recognized youth mental health crisis in the United States that disproportionately affects minority and disadvantaged populations. In Hawai‘i, this issue is compounded by stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Maui wildfire disaster, along with significant behavioral health workforce shortages.
“This grant represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen mental health services for children and adolescents across the state,” said T. Keli Acquaro, administrator of CAMHD. “By focusing on workforce development, evidence-based practices, and increased collaboration, we aim to create a more resilient and equitable system of care for our youth and their families.”
Key goals of the WAʻA initiative include enhancing workforce capacity through professional development, innovative reimbursement strategies, sustainable recruitment infrastructure; increasing training in evidence-based practices; improving family and youth engagement; elevating the voice of those with lived expertise; promoting social connectedness; and strengthening interagency collaboration.
WA‘A will support CAMHD's ongoing services which offer free mental health care to eligible youth facing severe emotional or behavioral challenges. These services include assessment, case management, therapeutic supports provided at home or in the community, as well as temporary out-of-home treatment when necessary.
For further information about CAMHD's initiatives or services, visit their website or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram under @camhdhawaii.