Closing out Suicide Prevention Month 2024, our team returned to the Leeward side for one more sign-waving event at the Waianae Neighborhood Place. It was a wonderful way to wrap up the month in partnership with the Leeward DOE, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, PACT Family Center, and the Waianae Neighborhood Place team. 

On the same day, the other half of our team enjoyed a beautiful Molokai sunset at their 3rd Annual Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk. The Bush Ohana generously donated shaved ice again this year for our 'Flavors of Strength' activity, and we were thrilled to see a record turnout of about 100 community members! 

In partnership with DHI Originals, our Prevent Suicide Hawaii Island Task Force organized their 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness event. Half of our team flew over to support the event by sharing suicide prevention resources and hosting our 'Flavors of Strength' shaved ice activity. It was a sweet way to bring people together and raise awareness!

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month 2024, our team helped facilitate the 'Out of the Darkness' Walk organized by AFSP Hawaiʻi. Along with hosting a table at the resource fair, we provided kākoʻo (support) wherever needed. It was a beautiful day of connection, remembrance, and sharing messages of hope within the community.

In partnership with the Leeward Oahu DOE and the Wai‘anae Neighborhood Place, our team participated in a sign-waving and resource table event at the corner of Nānākuli Ave and Farrington Hwy. It was a beautiful way to connect with the community and send positive energy as everyone headed into the weekend on a Friday afternoon..

Our team once again joined the Kalihi Connection Coalition at their 'WE Are Kalihi' community-building event and resource fair. Along with distributing suicide prevention resources, we piloted our 'Oceans of Resilience' activity. This initiative encourages community members to view the ocean as a source of strength and resilience, leaning on it as a reminder of the support and power around them.

Our new Sources of Strength trained Graduate Assistants (GAs) shared their insights during the UH Mānoa Office of Public Health Studies graduate student orientation. As students begin their journeys through graduate school, our team's goal is to remind them to lean on the strengths they already have in their lives. Whether it's friends, family, mentors, or personal resilience, we want to empower students to recognize and draw from these resources throughout their academic experience.

To support our Maui Ohana in their recovery from the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, our entire team flew over to Maui for a four-day Sources of Strength suicide prevention train-the-trainer event. This training was conducted in collaboration with national trainers from Sources of Strength, along with our dedicated trainers from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, and Moloka‘i.

We were honored to have representatives from several organizations join us, including:

- Maui Economic Opportunity

- Maui Department of Health

- Prevent Suicide Maui County Taskforce

- Mental Health America of Hawai‘i

- The Teran James Young Foundation

- Maui Rotary Club

- MEO Moloka‘i Youth Services

- Moloka‘i Department of Education

- Kohokūola Foundation

- Hawai‘i Island Department of Education

- Parents and Children Together (PACT)

- Adult Friends for Youth (AFY)

- Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL)

- Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center

- Leeward O‘ahu Department of Education

- Windward O‘ahu Department of Education

- State of Hawai‘i Department of Education Director

We were also privileged to host visiting trainees from the Sierra Native Alliance. Mahalo Nui to all our community partners for your unwavering commitment to supporting suicide prevention in our communities. 

This event was sponsored by Papa Ola Lōkahi. 

Our graduate assistant Dave had a meaningful day tabling at a resource fair at COFA (Compact of Free Association) Migrants in Kalihi. He shared essential suicide prevention resources while also providing back-to-school supplies to the community. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. 

Meanwhile, the other half of our team flew to Molokaʻi to attend the third annual Molokaʻi Community Resource Fair, organized in part by the Molokaʻi Homestead Farmers Alliance. It was a fantastic gathering where we were able to share vital suicide prevention resources. Once again, our "Seeds of Strength" activity was a highlight, warmly received by the community of farmers. Thank you to all who participated in making this event a success!

Continuing our Mental Health Awareness Month 2024 activities, half of our team flew to Hilo to support the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Island task force at the Mālama Da Mind Resource Fair and resource fair at Prince Kūhiō Plaza. It was a wonderful day dedicated to spreading awareness and providing resources to the community. 

Together, we focused on spreading "Seeds of Strength," fostering connections and encouraging conversations about mental health. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this important cause!

Graduate Assistants Dave and Thomas had the wonderful opportunity to fly to Prevent Suicide Kauaʻi Taskforce Co-chairs in a Sources of Strength adult advisor training. Participants not only learned the foundational elements of the Sources of Strength, but they also engaged in a hands-on activity called “Seeds of Strength.” This chili pepper seed planting activity symbolized growth and resilience, fostering a sense of community and hope among attendees. It was a meaningful experience, and we’re grateful for everyone’s dedication to promoting mental health and prevention efforts!

To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, the HCSI team joined our community partners for an informative resource fair and awareness event at the Capitol Rotunda. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with legislative staff and community members. 

During the event, we led a Sources of Strength calming jar activity, which provided a creative outlet for participants. We also distributed valuable resources to support mental health awareness and promote well-being. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a success!

From February 28 to March 1, the Hawaii Community Support Initiative (HCSI) team had the honor of facilitating a bereavement support group training in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) National. 

The first day was very special, as art therapist Su Atta led participants through the Alohalama Protocol, fostering connection and healing. Over the next two days, we delved into the evidence-informed youth support group curriculum. Mahalo Nui to our community partners for their invaluable participation and for creating a safe space for learning and growth: 

- Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center

- Liliʻuokalani Trust

- Hui No Ke Ola Pono

- Na Puʻuwai

- Life Bridges Hawaii

- Kōkua Kalihi Valley

- Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi

This event was sponsored by Papa Ola Lõkahi, the Hawaii Department of Health Family Health Services Division, and Mental Health America of Hawaii. Thank you so much to everyone who made this training possible!

A Sources of Strength Peer Leader Training to kick off Spring Break with Kamaile Academy youth! HCSI co-director Deb joined, alongside our community partners from Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center .

Photos courtesty of Na ʻŌpio O Waiʻanae (@n.o.o.w.health) on Instagram

A brief oral presentation & poster presentation event, showcasing UHM research to 2024 Hawaiʻi State Legislators and staff.

Some of the HCSI team were present  at the Capitol to showcase our research, share resources, and engage attendees in our locally adapted Flavors of Strength activity.

Click here to view our research poster and other publications!

An annual open-house event where Hawai‘i State Legislators and staff meet with community advocates on the issues of interest to them.

Some of the HCSI team were present at the Capitol to meet our 2024 Legislators and staff, provide resources, and update them on the state of suicide prevention efforts across Hawai‘i.

A walk and resource fair to strengthen community among Kalihi residents.

Some of the HCSI team were present in Kalihi to support our communities by providing manpower, a seed planting activity to reflect on their Sources of Strength, and resources for suicide prevention. 

A community walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

Some of the HCSI team flew to Kona to support our communities by providing manpower, a listening ear, a calming jar activity to reflect on their Sources of Strength, and resources for suicide prevention.

A community walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

Some of the HCSI team flew to Moloka‘i to support our communities by providing manpower, a listening ear, a shave ice activity to reflect on their Sources of Strength, and resources for suicide prevention. 

A community walk to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

The HCSI team were present in Honolulu to support our communities by providing transportation support, a listening ear, and resources for suicide prevention. 

A Sources of Strength Peer Leader Training to kick off Spring Break with Kamaile Academy youth! HCSI co-director Deb joined, alongside our community partners from Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center .

Photos courtesty of Na ʻŌpio O Waiʻanae (@n.o.o.w.health) on Instagram