MBHR Staff offer Fun and Support at Summer ‘Ohana Fun Event
Concerned about the mental health stressors on youth since the wildfire disaster, Maui Behavioral Health Resources staff have been providing outreach and activities at local events in the form of art projects, emotional education and parent resources.
Summer ‘Ohana Fun Event
The Summer ‘Ohana Fun event on June 13th brought fun, healing and mental health awareness to the communities of Ka La‘i Ola and Kilohana in Lahaina.
The majority of families moved into these communities in early 2025, and this is the first summer vacation kids will spend in their new neighborhood. Youth are adjusting to their new environment, and may also be feeling the long-term effects of wildfire-related trauma. This event was designed to help build community and friendships among keiki and families.
Long Term Effects of the Fires
The recently released UHERO Public Health Report, From Crisis to Recovery: Health and Resilience Two Years After the Maui Wildfires, demonstrates the mental health impacts on youth, with over half of children ages 10–17 screening positive for depression, and 22% of them in the severe range.
MBHR staff have seen these outcomes as well.
“The keiki in this community have been witness to many challenging events over the past year and a half. Some have experienced the trauma of evacuating during the fire, some have lost loved ones, and many have lost their homes or school. We want to provide a fun, safe space where they can enjoy time with each other and their families,” said Dr. Lisa Ponichtera, Chief Clinical Officer at MBHR.
Heather Long, MS., CSAC, and program director of Maui Youth and Family Services’ Adolescent Treatment Services, has seen the impact of trauma at schools where her team provides counseling services. “The trauma of the fires has led to unhealthy coping mechanisms for teens, and unhealthy coping can be drug use. We’ve seen an increase in drug use, specifically with intermediate school aged girls, and some as young as 10 years old, who are vaping high potency marijuana DAB pens. Because of this, I think it’s essential to get kids mental health support. At schools, and in community, we have to do more to support them.”
