State Council approves recommendation letter urging clearer role in FY25 mental-health block grant planning

The State Council on Mental Health voted to approve a draft recommendation letter addressing the fiscal year 2025 Mental Health Block Grant mini-proposal, the council’s chair said at the Sept. 10 meeting.

The letter, addressed to Dr. McKinney, notes that members reviewed the mini-proposal and attached meeting minutes and public-input excerpts. It recommends increased focus on prevention, better identification of contributing social determinants, and a clearer, articulated planning workflow that defines a meaningful advisory role for the council. “We recommend a clear articulation of the planning workflow and a more defined role for the council,” the draft reads.

Council members and staff thanked administrators from the Adult Mental Health Division (AMD) and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD) for increased transparency. The draft also called attention to gaps for Hawaii’s forensic population, saying the State Hospital, jails and crisis centers are often not the right settings for many people in need of specialized care.

After a brief procedural discussion to confirm the mover and seconder, the council moved, seconded and approved the letter. Chair acknowledged staff Carolyn for drafting the text and the council agreed to finalize and send the letter promptly.

The approval was made during regular business for the council; no changes to statutory authority or budget were made at the meeting. The council recorded no formal objections during the vote. Next steps stated during the meeting were to send the finalized letter to the recipient and to track how the council’s recommendations are incorporated into the block-grant planning cycle.