Media Release
WAI`ANAE’S COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
DECREASES SERVICES & RELEASES EMPLOYEES
Hale Na`au Pono, Wai`anae’s community operated mental health center, has ended much of its services to the adult seriously mentally ill patients in the face of the State’s recent action to end one of its major contract with the organization. Over 300 patients living in Wai`anae, have been directed by the Department of Health, to seek services from a multitude of organizations and State operated community mental health centers located in various parts of O`ahu. Management of consumer funds will be done by Helping Hands, located in Honolulu.
The only reason for the State’s determination to have Hale Na`au Pono stop its services is for the “necessity and convenience of the State.” Hale Na`au Pono is the only non-State operated community mental health center. It is also the only center to be nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for the multitude of services it provides under State Department of Health contracts.
In light of this decrease in service, Hale Na`au Pono will have released 38 employees over period of 60 days, some remaining unemployed, returning to school, or obtaining employment in other fields or in related fields. Hale Na`au Pono will maintain a work/volunteer force of approximately 100 employees.
The organization will continue to provide an extensive array of services in the general area of behavioral health, maintaining an active Children and Adolescent program of therapeutic foster homes, school support, and group homes respite service. It provides services for the Developmentally Disabled/Mentally Retarded person regardless of age. The Wai`anae Neighborhood Place located out of the old Chinese School in Wai`anae will continue to operate and coordinate social services, especially for families struggling to keep out or get out of CPS jurisdiction, homelessness, etc.
Hale Na`au Pono will continue to operate an ACT team till the end of August before shutting this service and dispersing through the community 37 more consumers due to Department of Health action. What will remain in the Adult Services will be a housing program of 72 beds for the seriously mentally ill, in an effort to address the homeless issue in the community.
Hui Hana Pono, a Clubhouse program, in which members are able to socialize, and join in a stream of work-involvement will remain in operation, taking in an average of 25 individuals a day. Ho`okaulike, a Drug and Alcohol Treatment program will also continue to operate through its facility in Ma`ili.
“This is a sad day in the life of this organization,” said Pōkā Laenui, Executive Director, as he addressed the adult staff in a going away luncheon. “But rest assured that the leadership in this community will continue to fight for the principle that community services are best provided when run by people from their community,” he said.From: "Alvina Kaopuiki"
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 4:24 PM
Subject: Emailing: Hale Na`au Pono, Services closing, employees leaving
Forwarded by: Gail Gomes
Subject: Fw: Emailing: Hale Na`au Pono, Services closing, employees leaving
To: maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, August 18, 2008, 4:45 PM
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