David Y. Ige News Release: DOH awarded federal grant to establish AANHPI National Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health.

Honolulu – The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has been awarded nearly $3.5 million from the US Department of Health and Human Services to establish the first-of-its-kind national Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health. .

DOH will receive approximately $3.5 million in federal funding over the next five years. The Center of Excellence promotes culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral health information and practices. Establish a steering committee with participants from across the country to identify emerging issues; and providing training, technical assistance, and consultation to practitioners, educators, and community organizations. Key partners include Papa Ola Lokahi and San Jose State University.

“Truly responsive behavioral health services must address stigma and provide resources that address cultural trauma and culturally relevant treatment,” said Marian Tsuji, deputy director of Behavioral Health Care. “We are honored to lead this national center of excellence, bringing together cultural experts, behavioral health professionals and other stakeholders to ensure we are meeting the systemic behavioral health needs of our diverse communities.”

“Today’s announcement is a key step in the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to eliminate health disparities affecting the AA and NHPI communities,” said Crystal Kai, executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. “This new center will provide culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral health services that are essential as our communities continue to grapple with the effects of the pandemic and anti-Asian violence.”

AANHPIs are the fastest growing minority in the country, yet they are less likely to receive mental health care. More than 76% of AANHPI people have a mental illness and 93% of those with a substance use disorder do not receive treatment.

AANHPI’s Center of Excellence develops data and other materials that address behavioral health, including data disaggregated by race and ethnicity. provide guidance on best practices to improve engagement and retention of AANHPI behavioral health professionals; and serve as an accessible and trusted clearinghouse for evidence-based behavioral health resources and products.

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Media Contact:

Katie Arita-Chang

Acting Director of Communications

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (808) 286-4806