The typical stress of a college semester paled in comparison to the sudden and frightening circumstances Nina Kapuni faced when she had to quickly leave her Hawaiʻi Island home in 2024 with her young son, to protect them from circumstances that placed their safety at risk.

“It was a really difficult and overwhelming experience,” said Kapuni, a single mother currently pursuing her master鈥檚 in counseling psychology at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo. “I realized we needed to leave right away to be safe.”

With no savings, Kapuni did not have the financial resources to secure stable housing. At the encouragement of a faculty member, she reached out to , which provides student support services, including access to emergency funding.

She applied for support and spoke with Sherri Akau, 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 acting senior director of student care and conduct. Within days, Kapuni learned her request had been approved.

‘Beyond being an advocate’

“Sherri started by taking the time to talk with me,” Kapuni said. “She really heard me and saw me when I couldn鈥檛 see myself. She went above and beyond being an advocate for me.”

Akau and Kaleb Matthews, interim coordinator for , are central to advancing student support services at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo. They see firsthand how access to resources鈥攕uch as (which provides food, supplies, clothes and hygiene items) and emergency financial assistance鈥攃an help students to persist and succeed.

“Many students carry a deep sense of hesitation or discomfort when it comes to seeking support for basic needs,” said Akau. “An important part of our role is to help shift that perspective and remind students that reaching out for support is not a weakness, it is a courageous and necessary step toward continuing their education and overall well-being.”

Helping thousands of students

Demand has skyrocketed from 2,000 students who used the pantry in 2024 to 5,000 projected by the end of 2026. This led to a network of strategically placed “food hubs” across campus.

“Creating this food pantry network helps reduce that barrier by making food readily available in the spaces where students already gather, ensuring they have consistent access to something to eat throughout the day,” said Matthews.

Your gift to the helps ensure that unforeseen circumstances, such as Kapuni鈥檚, do not disrupt a student鈥檚 ability to persist and succeed.

Read more about 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 .

For students at the , starting a new school year often brings a mix of excitement and nerves. With the challenges of balancing school, work, family, social life and extracurricular activities, many may find themselves wondering where to turn for support with their mental health and well-being.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the unique needs of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 students. Mental health services are available through the (CSDC). Services tailored specifically for , , and those seeking behavioral health services from . The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to decrease their .

“We understand how challenging it can be to get an education while trying to stay healthy in mind and body,” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “Our dedicated mental health professionals at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 are here to help you stay well, cope with challenges, and succeed in your academic journey.”

CSDC provides free, confidential brief individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students can call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.

is available, with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.

The CSDC has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.

For faculty and staff, training opportunities and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to arrange .

The CSDC hosts various events to promote mental health, such as hands-on self-care workshops and resource fairs. At these events, students can explore on-campus mental health resources and learn practical skills to enhance their well-being.

serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-糖心Vlog官方 system distance learning courses. Inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

This program provides culturally relevant and responsive behavioral health services from an indigenous ʻ艒颈飞颈 and Pasifika framework. Counselors utilize an ‘艒iwi-informed lens to foster belonging for our 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 ʻoiwi and elevate the collective behavioral health of the l膩hui. Individual therapy and workshops are provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .

. Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

This program provides dedicated mental health and wellness services for all 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 student-athletes in the .

One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL)

The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and are eligible for VA healthcare and can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.

Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). For more information, go to the .

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.

Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online Self-Help Resources

糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have to TAO throughout the semester using their 糖心Vlog官方 email address.

糖心Vlog官方 Employee Assistance Program

Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the 糖心Vlog官方 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

After experiencing houselessness and addiction, Gerry Crespo never imagined becoming a counselor. However, in May 2025, he earned his Certificate of Competence in Substance Use Disorders (COSUDS) Counseling at Leeward Community College鈥檚 Waiʻanae Moku education center—and now works full-time for Salvation Army Addiction Treatment Services.

“It鈥檚 one of the most rewarding professions,” said Crespo. “I feel extraordinarily fulfilled whenever I witness someone achieve recovery and transform their life.”

Crespo is one of 10 recent graduates of the COSUDS program, and among the eight who received an award and support from the Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Training Institute (HBHTI), which was created to support individuals from across the state seeking careers as substance use disorders counselors. Crespo鈥檚 grant helped to cover his rent and bill payments.

“This program enables you to transform lives, including your own,” he said.

“This program fills a vital gap in our community,” said Gwen Williams, co-principal investigator of HBHTI and coordinator of Leeward CC鈥檚 COSUDS Counseling program. “We鈥檝e seen how tuition coverage and stipends make education possible for individuals who might otherwise never have this opportunity. If our grant is renewed, we hope to continue supporting those ready to serve Hawaiʻi in one of its most urgent workforce needs.”

Leveling up

HBHTI has included the Level 1 COSUDS program at Leeward CC and a Level 2 apprenticeship coordinated by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Department of Social Work. Apprentices work at state-registered treatment sites as they pursue certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC) credentials. A four-year grant from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration has helped to provide tuition assistance, stipends during fieldwork experiences, and stipends for apprenticeships. An award for tuition is expected to be available for one more year for qualified candidates.

Like Crespo, Edmond Pulu Jr. entered the program with a history of addiction鈥攁nd a desire to change his life.

“HBHTI has been life-changing. Coming from addiction, incarceration and having to start over with nothing, the program gave me more than training鈥攊t gave me a second chance,” said Pulu Jr.

Now a CSAC at Kokua Support Services, he facilitates group sessions, mentors clients and supports Chuukese individuals in recovery. He earned degrees from Leeward CC and 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu and is completing his Master of Social Work at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补.

“What drives me is knowing every client I serve could鈥檝e been me,” Pulu Jr. said.

For current 糖心Vlog官方 students interested in enrolling in the COSUDS program, contact gwenw@hawaii.edu or HBHTI at .

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under 1 M01HP42453鈥�01鈥�00, Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Training Institute, totaling $2,216,000, with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

For students at the , starting a new year and a new semester can bring on a mix of excitement and nerves. With the challenges of balancing school, work, family, social life and extracurricular activities, many may find themselves wondering where to turn for support with their mental health and well-being.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the needs of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 students. Mental health services are available through the (CSDC). Services tailored specifically for , and (students) are also available. The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to .

“Taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing while pursuing an education is so important,” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “Fortunately, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 has a variety of resources dedicated to helping you stay well, cope with challenges, and succeed in your academic journey.”

CSDC provides free, confidential individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.

is available, with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.

The CSDC has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.

Training opportunities, and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to for their departments.

The CSDC provides events to promote mental health, including several Spring semester resource fairs hosted by the CSDC . At the events, students can explore on-campus mental health resources and learn practical skills to enhance their well-being.

CSDC鈥檚 serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-糖心Vlog官方 system distance learning courses. Inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

Culturally responsive behavioral health services to all students who identify as K膩naka ʻ艑iwi (Native Hawaiian) or Pacific Islander. Individual therapy and workshops provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .

Register for . Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

Dedicated mental health and wellness services for all 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 student athletes in the .

One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

(VITAL)

The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and are eligible for VA healthcare can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.

Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). For more information, go to the .

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.

Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online self-help resources

糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations, and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have throughout the semester using their 糖心Vlog官方 email address.

糖心Vlog官方 Employee Assistance Program

Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the 糖心Vlog官方 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

For students at the , starting a new academic year often brings a mix of excitement and nerves. With the challenges of balancing school, work, family, social life and extracurricular activities, many may find themselves wondering where to turn for support with their mental health and well-being.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the unique needs of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 students. Mental health services are available through the . Services tailored specifically for , , and (students) are also available. The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to decrease their .

• CSDC provides free, confidential brief individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.
• , with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing GREater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.
• The CSDC also has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.
• Training opportunities, and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to .
• The CSDC hosts various events to promote mental health, including the upcoming “Love Life” event on September 27, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Campus Center Courtyard. At the event, students can explore on-campus mental health resources and learn practical skills to enhance their well-being.
• serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-糖心Vlog官方 system distance learning courses. Any inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

• Culturally responsive behavioral health services to all students who identify as Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) or Pacific Islander. Individual therapy and workshops provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .
• Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

• Dedicated mental health and wellness services for all 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 student athletes in the .
• One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

• The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and are eligible for VA healthcare and can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.
• Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7).

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

• ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.
• Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online Self-Help Resources

• 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations, and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have throughout the semester using their 糖心Vlog官方 email address.

糖心Vlog官方 Employee Assistance Program

• Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the 糖心Vlog官方 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

Through a pioneering apprenticeship program by the , and , Edmond Pulu Jr., a former alcoholic who was also addicted to meth for 26 years, is on track to become a certified substance abuse counselor. Pulu Jr.鈥檚 arrest in 2018 marked a turning point in his addiction.

“Initially, recovery was never part of the plan when I opted to go to Sand Island Treatment Center, a long-term residential treatment facility,” Pulu Jr. said. “My primary motivation was to use it as a get-out-of-jail card. However, once I started the program, something shifted. Over time, I began to see the value in recovery and genuinely committed to the process.”

He started his counseling career journey at Leeward CC in 2022, four years into his recovery. The University of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Training Institute (HBHTI) supports individuals pursuing careers as substance use disorder counselors across Hawaiʻi at Leeward CC, 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College and Hawaiʻi CC. The principal investigator (PI) of the HBHTI is Seunghye Hong, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health associate professor, and the co-PI is Gwen Williams, who is the program coordinator for Leeward CC‘s Certificate of Competence in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (COSUDS) program which supports individuals from all the Hawaiian islands who wish to pursue careers as substance use disorder counselors.

The HBHTI program, funded by a four-year grant from the , offers two award levels. Level 1 includes the certificate of competence, while Level 2 provides hands-on apprenticeship training for COSUDS graduates employed at participating agencies. Recipients receive up to $3,000 for tuition and books and a $5,000 stipend during Level 1, and a $7,500 stipend during Level 2. HBHTI has already benefited 63 students, strengthening Hawaiʻi‘s behavioral health workforce.

Gaining confidence, furthering education

The apprenticeship program allowed Pulu Jr. to gain practical experience while continuing his education.
“I鈥檓 so glad the way the program is structured鈥攑art-time鈥攂ecause for somebody that鈥檚 been out of the classroom for so long, it really helped to slowly build the confidence that I can actually do school on top of something that I鈥檓 already exposed to in treatment,” he said.

As a full-time apprentice, Pulu Jr.鈥檚 dedication and hard work led him to earn a bachelor鈥檚 of psychology from 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu in fall 2023. He is set to begin work on a master of social work degree at the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health Department of Social Work, all while continuing his on-the-job training at Kokua Support Services and completing hours toward becoming a certified substance abuse counselor. His long-term goal is to assist those struggling with substance use disorder in American Samoa.

To apply for an award at Leeward CC, candidates must enroll in the COSUDS Counseling program. More information can be found at or the HBHTI page. For entry into the spring semester cohort, contact Gwen Williams at gwenw@hawaii.edu or the HBHTI at hbhti@hawaii.edu.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under 1 M01HP42453鈥�01鈥�00, Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Training Institute, totaling $2,216,000 with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

—By Tad Saiki

Reaching students to help them achieve their academic best can be challenging. What the at the hoped to do is gather advisors and educators from around the Pacific to share what works best and what can be done in the future. On July 11, about 160 participants from all 10 糖心Vlog官方 campuses and other institutions across the Pacific, such as Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau and the Marshall Islands shared insights, strategies, and best practices in academic advising at the virtual .

“The theme for this year鈥檚 conference was ‘Bridging Islands of Knowledge’ and highlights how we often focus on our own isolated areas of expertise,” said Derek Furukawa, director of the in the . “Whether geographically or within different divisions at our institutions, being in the same ‘space’ can spark communication and collaboration, bridging these islands of thought.”

Technology tools, wellness

Participants chose from professional development sessions, and topics ranged from bridging cultural learning and core advising values to strategies for supporting students at risk. An advisor from presented how 糖心Vlog官方 uses technology to connect at-risk students with academic and support services. They demonstrated how advisors are alerted about at-risk students through 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 online registration app, STAR ().

“Utilizing early alert systems to support students in making adjustments to their academic approaches (before it鈥檚 too late in the term to recover) has been proven to make a significant impact on students鈥� timely completion of their programs,” Furukawa explained.

The conference also featured sessions on promoting health and wellness among academic advisors. “Nurturing the Nurturers” highlighted wellness programs implemented across four different institutions: 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, , and University of Guam. Advisors at these campuses engaged in activities such as outdoor exercise and face-to-face interactions to promote well-being.

Bridging islands

For the first time, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 14th annual summer conference was attended by advisors from a wide geographical range in the Pacific. Traditionally, the cost and time differences make it challenging for these advisors to attend professional development events. The virtual sessions were scheduled synchronously to accommodate participants from various time zones, from Chamorro to Hawaiʻi.

As spring is a time for renewal and change, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students may feel both excited and nervous about the new semester. Amidst the demands of school, work, family, social life and extracurriculars, students may wonder where to go if they need support for their mental health and wellbeing.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the unique needs of 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa students. Mental health services are available through the . Services tailored specifically for , , and (students) are also available. The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to decrease their .

(CSDC)

• CSDC provides free, confidential brief individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.
• , with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.
• The CSDC also has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30a.m.–3:30p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.
• Training opportunities, and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to .
• serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-糖心Vlog官方 system distance learning courses. Any inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

• Culturally responsive behavioral health services to all students who identify as Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) or Pacific Islander. Individual therapy and workshops provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .
• . Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

• Dedicated mental health and wellness services for all 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa student athletes in the .
• One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

(VITAL)

• The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and are eligible for VA healthcare and can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.
• Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). .

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

• ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.
• Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online Self-Help Resources

• 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations, and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have throughout the semester using their 糖心Vlog官方 email address.

糖心Vlog官方 Employee Assistance Program

• Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the 糖心Vlog官方 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

The focus on mental health has grown exponentially in recent years, especially that of students. Results from a brief survey conducted by mental health experts at the in fall 2023 boiled down the most pressing stressors impacting some Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-identifying haumāna (students).

Top 5 stressors

• Financial stress (73%)
• Transportation issues (37%)
• Friendship drama (35%)
• Social media stress (31%)
• Work-related stress (30%)

To help meet mental health and well-being needs of Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) and Pasifika haumāna at 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, was launched in 2022 to provide free individual therapy (virtual or in-person), monthly kūkākūkā (discussion) and group support sessions. The program hosts in-person sessions once a week at the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa inside the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services.

• Related 糖心Vlog官方 News story: Free mental health program for Native Hawaiian students, August 23, 2022

“Many of our students juggle multiple roles beyond that of being a student, including working, taking care of children or younger siblings or kūpuna (elders),” said Jillian Freitas, program director at Ka Malu a Waʻahila. “The pandemic also shifted the ways in which we connect and relate to one another, and many of our students have expressed challenges with friendships, and building community, even after resuming in-person activities.”

Freitas works alongside a team of licensed behavioral health clinicians who identify as Indigenous Pasifika and work to cultivate a therapeutic space for students. The program鈥檚 name, Ka Malu a Waʻahila, refers to the protection or shelter of Waʻahila, which is the mountain ridge that casts a shadow over Mānoa.

“For our K膩naka ʻŌiwi and other Indigenous students, there is an underlying presence of historical trauma from colonization that continues in various forms today, and has impacted the overall health and wellbeing of our peoples,” Freitas said. “Many of us are familiar with this trauma narrative, however, we also have a beautiful resilience narrative too.”

Deep-rooted resiliency

Freitas added that the program鈥檚 foundation and approach to integral pathways of healing stems from strength and wisdom garnered through generations of their cultural ancestors. They infuse established therapeutic methods with ʻike (knowledge) derived from Native Hawaiian legends, moʻolelo (stories) and history, and language and cultural revitalization efforts.

“We hear a lot about the importance of self-care in Western circles. But we ask our students to conceptualize what self-care looks like for them, and what it might look like from an Indigenous perspective,” said Freitas. “For us, self-care that is rooted in kaiāulu (community), rooted in kuleana (responsibility) and purpose, rooted in values, uplifts the entire l膩hui (nation) and can never be selfish.”

Ka Malu a Waʻahila was developed at the request of the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and funded by the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa .

To help curb 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 ballooning demand for mental health services and substance abuse treatment, the will receive a total of $1.68 million over the next five years. The funding will create a new certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC) track to accommodate up to 30 students each year within 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 .

“The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mental health problems,” said Charmaine Higa-McMillan, director of 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 counseling psychology program. “According to the National Institutes of Health, 50% of Americans in 2021 reported having anxiety or depressive symptoms and 10% stated that their mental health needs were not being met. The need for mental health services in the County of Hawaiʻi and across the state has increased significantly due to the opioid abuse epidemic.”

Weight of addiction

糖心Vlog官方 Hilo received the funding award from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and in partnership with the Hawaiʻi County Mayor鈥檚 Office.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 50% of people suffering from substance addiction have a co-occurring mental health condition.

“An important benefit of adding the CSAC concentration is that students will be trained to treat both substance use disorders and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and suicidality,” explained Bryan Kim, a 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo psychology professor in the program. “In Hawaiʻi, these mental health and substance use problems have posed challenges to our already strained mental health system.”

Premiere program

Established in 2005, the MA program in counseling psychology provides multicultural, student-centered training with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling. The program鈥檚 curriculum meets the requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor in Hawaiʻi and is the only one of its kind in the 糖心Vlog官方 System. The program is nationally accredited and is offered to students throughout the state via distance education technology. The program has graduated more than 200 mental health counselors and has a 90% graduation rate.

“The mental health counseling program at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo is in an ideal position to help address the rising mental health and substance abuse problems in our state,” Higa-McMillan said. “We are excited about our partnership with ADAD and the Mayor鈥檚 Office that will enable us to bring real and tangible benefits to our communities.”

Alumni from the 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo program work in various mental health settings across the state such as the state education and health departments, and non-profit agencies including Big Island Substance Abuse Council, Care Hawaii, Child and Family Service, Hale Kipa, and in group and private practice.

The MA in counseling psychology program is housed in the 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo .