Fellows mentioned in this story: Janice Ikeda

From Aloha State Daily:

Hilo-based nonprofit Vibrant Hawaiʻi recently published findings from its study exploring how cultural practices help improve individualsʻ mental health and well-being. In short, it took 24 active and retired members of the Hawaiʻi Fire Department through two fishpond restoration projects, while asking them to reflect and talk to research partners.

Leaders at Vibrant Hawaiʻi said next steps include submitting the academic version for publication in a peer reviewed journal come May.

“Longer term, we are looking to expand culture-based mental health programs to not only offer these services to more first responders more consistently, but to also concurrently conduct research into their efficacy and impacts,” the nonprofit’s CEO Janice Ikeda, told Aloha State Daily by email. “By adding to the body of evidence while working within our communities, we seek to build bridges of understanding that will serve to make access to these vital services available to those who could benefit from them.”

Continue reading at alohastatedaily.com.