Bill > SCR124

This Concurrent Resolution urges the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services, which are state government agencies responsible for public health and social services respectively, to collaborate with community organizations, specifically mentioning the YMCA of Honolulu, to bolster the mental well-being of young people in Hawaii. This call to action comes in response to the significant negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth, which have been linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, with Hawaii unfortunately ranking high nationally for suicide-related thoughts among those seeking mental health support during the pandemic. The resolution highlights the YMCA of Honolulu's extensive history and proven success in serving over forty thousand youth annually through various programs, recognizing its capacity to offer community-based support for young people's mental wellness journeys.