By: Sondra Leiggi Brandon

The mental health statistics for adolescents is alarming. One in three high school students reports feeling hopeless, one in six considers suicide, and one in 14 attempts suicide. 

Our recent acquisition of QMCKM, the only free-standing behavioral health hospital in the state, represents a critical step in ensuring that we continue to provide essential mental health services to our youth. These services are not only important to me personally, but are integral to our mission at Queen’s. Mental health care is a fundamental right for our keiki, and it is our responsibility to provide that care when they need it most. We have a profound duty to ensure that these services remain accessible for patients and their families right here in the islands. By maintaining the program locally, patients stay in their home state, families can stay involved in the treatment process, and care is delivered with values that are important to our patients and families.

Nearly 90% of the 80 employees hired were former employees, highlighting the strong sense of community and continuity that this acquisition represents. QMCKM is a child and adolescent residential treatment program with 24 beds where patients typically stay for two to three months. The program provides not only therapy and schooling but also group activities on its sprawling 14-acre campus which features lush greenery, a stream, a playground, a basketball court, a ropes course, and a swimming pool.

For those interested in learning more, I invite you to visit or tour the facility. There are exciting opportunities to enhance programming whether through vocational training, gardening, aquaponics, or other approaches. If you have skills or ideas to contribute, I would love to collaborate and explore how we can continue to grow this vital resource for our community.