Why We Exist
“Health, that optimal state of physical, mental, social and environmental well-being, is a right and responsibility of all of Hawai‘i’s people.” This philosophy of the Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) inspires all of us in the healthcare industry to improve the quality of care we deliver to our residents and in our communities. We must work together to assure health care is affordable, appropriate, of assured quality, available and accessible.

Hawai‘i CARES 988 fulfills these goals in the areas of mental and behavioral health through its coordinated, responsive system that provides clinically-appropriate treatment and recovery services statewide.

Who We Are
Hawai‘i CARES 988 is a partnership between the Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) and community-based mental health and substance abuse service providers statewide.

The DOH oversees Hawai‘i CARES 988, whose day-to-day operations are managed by a contracted provider.

Hawai‘i CARES 988 hires locally based staff who specialize in providing supportive counseling, screening for urgent or emergent mental health or substance use needs, and recommendations for behavioral health assessments and services and crisis intervention.

As a team, we are committed to providing excellent service and compassion to every caller.