2008 "BEYOND THE BLUES" Festival

October 25, 2008 Honolulu, Hawai'i

Mental Health America of Hawai`i
(formerly Mental Health Association)
1124 Fort Street Mall., Suite 205 · Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Phone 808-521-1846; Fax 808-533-6995;
Email info@mentalhealth-hi.org; Web www.mentalhealth-hi.org

2008 "BEYOND THE BLUES" Festival
A Celebration of Life

Date: October 25, 2008
Time: 10:AM - 2:00PM
Location: Pearlridge Center - Uptown

The Mental Health America of Hawaii's 8th Annual "Beyond the Blues" is a public awareness event that features local blues musicians (Boogie, Jeff Said No, Friends of Adam, Coconut Joe) and participants from community organizations and consumer groups.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of how mental health affects our lives and how to recognize the warning signs of mental illness, especially depression. "Beyond the Blues" offers resources for treatment for mental illnesses, and explains how it is possible move into the process of recovery. The event also aims to destigmatize mental illnesses by increasing understanding. "Beyond the Blues" communicates that there is life to be celebrated beyond the diagnosis of depression or other mental illness.

The Mental Health America of Hawai`i, consumer groups, and community organizations collaborate in the planning process. At last year's event, 12 community partners participated by offering education materials about their programs, and information on topics such as children's mental insurance benefits, self-help groups, wellness issues, and services they provide.

Stress as well as depression screenings will be offered at "Beyond the Blues." These screening tools can help people address their psychological health, and open the door to treatment if necessary. Completed charts can be taken to the individual's primary health care provider to determine whether or not additional services are recommended.

Through this 8th Annual "Beyond the Blues," MHA will bring the mental health community together in a day devoted to raising awareness about depression and the importance of addressing mental health, breaking down the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses, and celebrating our lives, spirits and talents.

For more information, contact the Mental Health America of Hawai`i at 521-1846.