What's Being Discussed

The State Council on Mental Health (SCMH) is holding an amended public meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. It can be attended in person in Pearl City, by Zoom, or by phone. Key topics include:

• Announcements on mental health news, events, and council membership updates
• A draft annual report to SAMHSA (the federal mental health and substance abuse agency) covering both adult and children's mental health programs
• A work-in-progress report to the Governor and Legislature for 2027
• Identifying themes for proposed 2027 legislation related to mental health
• Discussion and approval of thank-you letters related to presentations from the October 13 meeting
• Informational updates from council members representing O'ahu, behavioral health, Medicaid (MedQuest), courts, education, vocational rehabilitation, providers, families, and youth advocates

Note: A previously planned presentation on updates to the Hawaii State Hospital has been removed from this agenda.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of the October 13, 2026 meeting minutes
• Approval of thank-you letters from the October meeting
• Council review and recommendation of legislative themes for 2027

Who Should Pay Attention

• People who use mental health services in Hawaii
• Family members and caregivers of those with mental health needs
• Mental health providers and community organizations
• Anyone interested in state mental health policy or upcoming legislation

Public testimony is welcome by email, mail, or in person (limited to 3 minutes per person per agenda item).