MINUTES for 2025-02-26 FINAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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not do telehealth with psych patients here. Other places do, but not here. This has been a longstanding policy. Chair M Dolittle: Complex problem and seems to not have any direct roots to finding the help needed. M Hanato: VA used to go out to the different districts and talk with the vets. Wish they would bring that back. Chair M Dolittle: thinks for group, it's about identifying the resources and helping connect the dots. If a vet can't get immediate help when he's asking for it, they do retreat. Would like to identify and help establish that chain of information. J Hiduchick-Nakayama: The best way for immediate help is to call 911. If you say you are having suicidal thoughts, they will send police and ambulance, and most likely take person to Hale Ho'ola (psych ward up by Hilo hospital) for evaluation. Fastest way to get case management or mental health services. Once processed, will be linked with mental health Chair M Dolittle: Sees problems with that. People are reluctant to enter into 911 services for many reasons. Can see that compounding the anxiety of veterans. J Hiduchick-Nakayama: in experience, psych ward at Hilo Medical Center is not the greatest level of care. The level of support from the staff is not great. Sending a veteran there is not the best course of action. b. Discussion on proposed amendment to Section 15-61, Hawaii County Code, as amended, in conjunction with Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 363-5: i. Removal of "Big Island Retired Military Association" from list of organizations to be represented, as the organization is disbanding. • Specific Representation designates must have one representative from each of the following organizations: American Legion, Big Island National Guard Retirees Association, Big Island Retired Military Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Committee must also include eight at -large members. Chair M Dolittle: Big Island Retired Military Association is disbanding. Organization originally given a seat on this committee. Never in the history of this committee, in his tenure, has any organization been able to name a representative because of the County committee application process. Having organizations being represented on the committee has not happened. Vice -Chair M Brinkley: went through this process several years ago, when there were eight or nine organizations listed that needed to have a designee on the board. Needed to go to county council. Cody would be the one to advise on what next step would be. Wondering if practical to continue to list National Guard Retirees Association as an organization that needs to have a seat.