BISAC’s behavioral health services earn highest level of accreditation

Big Island Substance Abuse Council earns accreditation for comprehensive behavioral health services, marking over 25 years of national recognition.

The Big Island Substance Abuse Council has earned a full three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International, which is the highest level of accreditation awarded by the independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services.

The three-year accreditation includes programs such as case management, community housing, community integration, court treatment, day treatment, employee assistance, intensive family-based services, intensive outpatient treatment for adults and youth, outpatient treatment for adults and youth, prevention services, and residential treatment.

“This achievement affirms what our clients, staff, and community partners already know — Big Island Substance Abuse Council provides safe, effective, and culturally grounded services that meet the highest standards in the nation,” said Hannah K. Preston-Pita, CEO of Big Island Substance Abuse Council. “For over 60 years, we have been committed to inspiring change and reclaiming lives, and for more than 25 years, CARF has recognized our unwavering dedication to excellence and person-centered care.”

The survey team praised Big Island Substance Abuse Council for its:

• Deep community integration and commitment to Native Hawaiian culture as a foundation for recovery.
• Compassionate, client-focused staff, many of whom are in recovery themselves.
• Innovative community programs such as the Annual Summer Jam, opioid overdose prevention efforts, and youth prevention partnerships.

The Commission also noted that the leadership and staff demonstrate “a commitment to improving the lives of clients through quality, person-centered services” and that the organization is likely to “maintain and improve its current methods of operation” in the years ahead.

“This is more than an accreditation. It’s a promise to our community that we will continue to deliver high-quality, culturally relevant services that change lives,” added Preston-Pita.

The accreditation extends through Feb. 29, 2028.

Since 1964, the Big Island Substance Abuse Council has provided evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services islandwide, serving adults, youth, and families impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. It offers a full continuum of care, integrating Hawaiian cultural values into its programs to foster resilience, healing, and community connection.

For more information about the Big Island Substance Abuse Council’s programs or to access services, visit www.bisac.org or call 808-969-9994.