MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant (MHT SIG) will hold public meetings statewide throughout August and September 2010 to share information about the progress made and to introduce the “Mentally Healthy, Physically Fit” media campaign. MHT SIG leaders Dr. Rupert Goetz, Director and Sharlene Chun-Lum, Chief Operations Officer, will lead the meetings on Kaua‘i, Maui, the Big Island, and O‘ahu.

Hawai‘i State Department of Health deputy director for behavioral health Michelle Hill will facilitate ‘talk story’ sessions during meetings to gather information on community needs and concerns. She will also provide updates on changes to the delivery of mental health services in the state of Hawai‘i.

On O‘ahu, a talk-story session will be taped for re-broadcast on ‘Olelo public access television, with dates and times to be determined. Questions or comments will be taken via email at: transformation@doh.hawaii.gov. For more information or to RSVP for Town Hall Meetings, email: transformation@doh.hawaii.gov or call Gayle Matsumoto at (808) 453-6649.

The meetings are funded through the state’s MHT SIG. This $10.95 million grant administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides funding over five years to assist in transforming the delivery of quality mental health services across the state. The grant funding period began in July 2007.

The dates for the town hall meetings in each county are:

Hilo August 12, 2010
Waiakeawaena Elementary School Cafeteria
2420 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Kaua`i August 19, 2010
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria
4431 Nuhou Street, Lihue, Hawaii 96766
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Maui September 3, 2010 (in partnership with Mental
Health America / Maui County)
J. Walter Cameron Center
95 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Oahu August/September, TBD (Also broadcast on ‘Olelo)