More than $17 million towards mental health resources for Maui wildfire survivors

WASHINGTON (Island News) - The Suicide Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) has presented $17.3 million in funding to go towards the Hawaii State Department of Health, aiding in emergency behavioral health support for the survivors of the Maui wildfires.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz followed with the statement, "The people of Maui have experienced so much loss, trauma, and grief, and addressing the mental health toll is just as important as dealing with the physical damage. This new funding will provide necessary resources to help those who need it in a timely and culturally informed way.”

The emergency funding will help in providing assistance for family mental health interventions, community and school organizations, as well as deliver culturally informed substance-use services, and help to build the workforce of Hawaii's behavioral health.