Bill > SR113

This Resolution urges the Department of Health to actively support the creation of more mental wellness facilities specifically for children, adolescents, and young adults, and to enhance the entire system of mental health care available to them, aligning with recommendations from the United States Surgeon General's advisory on protecting youth mental health. The advisory, issued in December 2021, highlighted a growing mental health crisis among young people, exacerbated by the pandemic, and called for comprehensive action from various levels of government. The resolution acknowledges the severe shortage of existing inpatient psychiatric facilities in Hawaii, leading to prolonged waits for children in crisis, and emphasizes the distinct needs of young people requiring specialized care. It also recognizes the importance of family involvement in a child's recovery and the long-term societal impact of untreated mental health issues. The resolution encourages the Department of Health to implement the Surgeon General's recommendations, which include addressing socioeconomic barriers, ensuring online safety, improving insurance coverage, integrating mental health into primary care, strengthening school-based programs, investing in prevention, expanding telehealth, supporting the mental health workforce, enhancing crisis services, improving government coordination, reducing stigma, and addressing the mental health needs of youth in the justice and child welfare systems. Additionally, it suggests potential collaboration with the University of Hawaii System for workforce development and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for property to build specialized treatment facilities.