STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4006

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 709, 710

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 709 and 710, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai'i Service Area Board

G.M. No. 709	SARAH BLECHMAN, for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and
G.M. No. 710	SARAH BLECHMAN, for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Sarah Blechman for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Sarah Blechman from the Department of Health and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Blechman's experience in the field of behavioral health, commitment to public service, and dedication to improving the mental health of all Hawaii residents, qualify her for appointment and reappointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board. Ms. Blechman is currently a therapist with Pacific Quest, an organization dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for teens and young adults. Her career as a therapist, social worker, and clinical behavioral health specialist provides opportunities to engage with members of her community, listen and educate about various behavioral and medical health issues, and provide support and intervention in times of crisis and recovery. Ms. Blechman recognizes that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has created serious mental health concerns, especially for adolescents and other young people, and immediate access to crisis support services may be of particular benefit.

Your Committee further finds that Ms. Blechman's service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawaii Service Area Board fulfills the requirement of section 334-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that members of the board include service area residents, who are service area providers. Your Committee therefore recommends that Sarah Blechman be appointed and reappointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board based on her experience in the field of behavioral health and commitment to improving the mental health of all Hawaii residents.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair