The state Health Department’s community mental health centers will have a broader role to meet behavioral health needs in their areas starting July 1.

An estimated 15,000 adults in Hawaii receive some services from the Adult Mental Health Division annually, the DOH said.

Four service-area administrators working from home had been dealing with behavioral health issues in each county. Those positions are being discontinued for a more streamlined and efficient system using the mental health centers to serve consumers, families and service providers in each county, the Health Department said.

The centers will plan for expanded behavioral health needs in their communities, identify service gaps, evaluate public and private mental health services and annually report findings and recommendations.

"The service-area administrators served to facilitate community feedback, and now it is time for our community mental health centers to step up and centralize this role," said Health Director Chiyome Fukino in an announcement of the changes.

Starting July 1, consumers, families, providers, community members and others may express their concerns or comments on mental health needs or service gaps to the following community mental health centers:

» East Hawaii, 974-4305

» West Hawaii, 322-4818

» Kauai, 241-3130

» Maui/Molokai/Lanai, 984-2150

» Central Oahu, 453-5953

» Windward Oahu, 233-3775

» Diamond Head, 733-9260

» Kalihi-Palama, 832-5800

Until July 1, people may call the Adult Mental Health Division Office of Consumer affairs, 586-4685, or the Office of Provider Relations, 586-4689.