In the past six months, our country has struggled with the negative impact of COVID-19, with widespread disruption in access to mental health care, economic stability, and social connectivity. Hawai‘i has led the country in positive public health results but continues to struggle with the economic impact, job loss, and the crisis faced by our small businesses. How do we continue to build community engagement and resilience? This presentation will review the factors specific to our island community that has helped create these positive public health and mental health outcomes. It will examine what factors can be considered in other communities, the elements that have been successfully used during this first wave, and helpful tools to consider implementing.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss factors impacting community engagement and resilience, specific to Hawai'i
  
• Examine community factors to consider in a public health approach
  
• Review elements used to build interconnectedness and resilience during COVID-19
  
• Identify helpful tools to consider for your community

Duration: 34 minutes

Continuing Education Information:  0.5 CECH for CHES

Format: Recorded Webinar

Originally Recorded: 08/2020

Presenter: Dr. Mestisa Gass, PhD

Mestisa C. Gass is the new Program Director for Mental Health America of Hawai‘i (MHAH). She graduated with a Master’s and Doctorate degree, in Clinical Psychology. Her education and experience has been focused on diverse populations including inpatient acute adolescent care, community mental health, and military mental health. Her training and work has emphasized diversity and trauma-focused care. She is a certified trainer for the MHAH’s Youth Suicide and Bullying Prevention Training for Trainers (T4T) curriculum and Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth. She is a member of the Mental Health Task Force, the Statewide and Oahu Suicide Prevention Task Forces, and a board member for the Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse. She has been working in Hawaii since 2006, being originally from a small, farming community in the Appalachian Mountains. She is passionate about bringing education, support, and resources to rural communities, like those in which she spent her childhood.