SCR128 Summary

• Urges the Department of Health to develop additional mental wellness facilities for children, adolescents, and young adults and improve the overall continuum of mental health care based on the December 7, 2021 U.S. Surgeon General's advisory.

• Identifies a critical shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds in Hawaii, with only two facilities on Oahu (Queen's Medical Center and Kahi Mohala Hospital) serving the entire state with limited designated bed space for youth.

• Calls for implementation of 13 specific actions from the Surgeon General's advisory, including addressing economic barriers to mental health care, ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage, integrating screening into primary care, supporting school-based programs, expanding telehealth, and strengthening the mental health workforce.

• Encourages the University of Hawaii System to enhance workforce preparation in law, medicine, social work, public health, psychology, medical anthropology, and pharmacy to address youth mental health needs.

• Directs transmission of certified copies to the U.S. Surgeon General, Hawaii Governor, state and county officials, and relevant institutional leaders including the University of Hawaii System President and Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairperson.