BISAC Receives $300K Grant for Continued Support to Native Hawaiian Community

The Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) was awarded a $300,000 grant for their continued efforts to provide the Native Hawaiian community treatment for those suffering with substance abuse and mental health issues.

The money was provided through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) ’Ohana and Community Based Program and COVID-19 Impact Response Grants. The grants will help to reinforce and strengthen Native Hawaiians’ ‘ohana (family), moʻomeheu (culture) and ʻāina.

“We are extremely grateful for the award because it will allow us to address the on-going concerns with substance use and mental health issues that have been exacerbated by COVID-19 and provide the needed services for our Native Hawaiian community,” stated BISAC CEO, Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita.

BISAC plans to use the funds to provide therapeutic living treatment to adults previously incarcerated as well as implement a COVID operational plan that ensures compliance and mitigates gaps in services.

The purpose of the ’Ohana and Community Based Program and COVID-19 Impact response Grants are to serve the Native Hawaiian lāhui in alignment with the strategic foundations, directions, and outcomes of 15-year Mana i Mauli Ola Strategic Plan.