Off the News: Mental health crisis at Kaiser

Hawaii’s scarcity of psychological well being professionals is at disaster ranges — a 2021 Kaiser Household Basis examine discovered that solely 14.6% of statewide wants are met, with a nationwide common of 27.2% — and it’s pushing Kaiser’s workers to the brink.

Kaiser says it’s actively attempting to enhance, creating 11 new positions this 12 months, however that’s not sufficient for its unionized psychological well being suppliers, who’ve threatened to strike starting Monday. That actually gained’t enhance affected person entry or peace of thoughts. For the sake of these in want, fast motion is required so as to add capability and mend fences.