May is Children’s Mental Health Month
Social and emotional well-being is so important to a child’s overall health and development
Caring for Every Keiki’s Mental Health
Mental health challenges are some of the most common health issues of childhood. One out of every five children and youth has a diagnosable mental health need. Unfortunately, however, not every keiki who has a mental health need receives treatment and/or services. This could be due to a lack of awareness and not knowing what services are available. It could be because families have a hard time getting services (for a lot of reasons). Or it could be because some people may feel shame about receiving mental health care.
The Campaign
The annual Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Month campaign is a series of statewide events and efforts to help break down some of these barriers. It provides information about community mental health services and resources for the whole ‘ohana, while encouraging families to help break down stigma in our community and start talking story about mental health.
This year’s 2024 Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Month theme is Lighting the Path to Social Justice for Children & Youth. Keep an eye out for our upcoming calendar of events and RSVP details.
Mental Health Matters!
Is your family, or someone you know, facing tough times and in need of crisis support?
Hawai‘i CARES provides a team of trained and experienced professionals to help families and individuals in times of a mental health crisis. They are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter which island you’re on, call 808-832-3100. You can also call toll-free at 1-800-753-6879.
If you’d rather text, text ALOHA to 741-741. We have a partnership with Crisis Text Line, a national organization that connects texters with a crisis counselor, a real-life human being who is trained to bring people from a hot moment to a cool calm.
If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you are a danger to yourself and/or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.
Events
The Keiki Mental Health Matters campaign is a collaboration of the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD), the Hawai‘i Department of Education, and other child-serving agencies and community-based organizations across the state.
The campaign goal is to raise awareness of the importance of keiki mental health and mental health services. Each year, we recognize the month of May as Children’s Mental Health Month with events all over the islands.
Get Involved
Become a Volunteer Crisis Counselor!
Crisis Text Line, in partnership with the Hawaii Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division and Adult Mental Health Division, is urgently looking for more Hawaii-based volunteer crisis counselors who can serve texters of all ages here in the islands, from youth to adults, as well as texters in the continental U.S. who need support during the middle of night (in the evening hours for us in Hawaii).
Resources & Sponsors
You’ve probably heard that mental health is just as important to your child’s health and development as their physical health. But it’s easy to know when your child needs help getting over the flu, right? Or when she has a broken arm, it’s simple to know where they are hurting.
However, mental and emotional health problems can be tough to figure out. How do you know when to get help? The hard part is knowing the kinds of behaviors that are typical for your child’s stage of development—and if your child has veered from the norm too much. You may need support to help them get back on track. And that’s OK!
Keiki Mental Health Matters sponsors and partners are here to help. Hawaii Department of Health’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division provides mental health services in all communities across the islands. In addition, below are links to other organizations offering services and resources we recommend both here in the islands and nationally. Click on each logo to learn more.
Our Sponsors & Partners
Local Resources
National Resources
Social Media Challenge 2022
Are you up for this year’s social media challenge? Join in virtual fun to win a prize and help spread the word about keiki mental health!
Other Opportunities
For more information about internships, special academic projects and other opportunities with our local Hawai‘i sponsors, please contact us.
Contact Us
Program Improvement & Communications Office, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division, Hawai‘i Department of Health
Email: DOH.CAMHD.comms@doh.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-733-9346
