What's Being Discussed

The State Council on Mental Health is holding its regular public meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to noon. The meeting is available to attend via Zoom or in person at the Department of Health office in Pearl City. Key topics include:

• Recognition of outgoing council members who have completed their full terms
• Review of the Mental Health Block Grant (Fiscal Year 2027) Mini-Application, including thank-you letters to previous presenters and a recommendation letter to the federal agency SAMHSA, which funds mental health services
• Planning the council's priorities and schedule for September through December
• Updates from council members representing different islands, government agencies (courts, schools, vocational rehabilitation), and community groups including providers, parents, families, youth, and consumers

Decisions Expected

• Approval of meeting minutes from May 12 and June 9, 2026
• Approval of thank-you letters to Mental Health Block Grant presenters
• Approval of a formal recommendation letter to SAMHSA regarding the state's mental health block grant application

Who Should Pay Attention

• People who use mental health services in Hawaii
• Family members and caregivers of individuals with mental health needs
• Mental health service providers and community organizations
• Anyone interested in how state and federal mental health funding is allocated and overseen

Public testimony is welcome. Written comments can be emailed to doh.scmhchairperson@doh.hawaii.gov. Oral testimony at the meeting is limited to three minutes per person.