TOUCH Project
Telehealth Outreach for Underserved Communities of Hawaiʻi
The TOUCH Project is dedicated to improving behavioral health and reducing the impact of substance use disorders in Hawaii’s rural communities. We work to enhance access to high-quality care by bringing together partners and expanding vital services where they are needed most.
PROGRAMS
Access Hawaii UTelehealth
808-375-2745
FREE Behavioral Telehealth Services. Appointments with a psychologist, psychiatrist, mental health counselor, or substance use counselor for all rural and houseless residents of the State of Hawaii through 2026!
Digital Ready Hawaii
Our goal is for Hawaii to be at the forefront of digital literacy, equity, and readiness nationwide. We believe that digital readiness is one of the ways Hawaii can have a more resilient economy and deeply connected communities.
Project ECHO Hawaii
An innovative guided practice model that builds workforce capacity while improving patient access to specialty health care in rural communities.
About TOUCH Project
Through the expansion of telehealth infrastructure developed funded under the Health Resources & Services Administration, Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, we aim to:
- Increase access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services for underserved rural individuals, including those involved in the justice system.
- Enhance the quality and sustainability of rural behavioral health services by providing multidisciplinary education focused on care coordination, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based practices.
- Strengthen community resilience by addressing key risk factors and social determinants of health through outreach, education, and skill-building programs, including parenting support, substance use prevention, digital literacy, and telehealth navigation.
By working together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities and ensure that essential behavioral health services reach those who need them most.
Feedback from Hawaii UTelehealth HUT:
In Community Empowerment Resources Integrated Clinic, we frequently encounter individuals who fall into the ALICE demographic who are employed and unemployed but face financial challenges that impact their overall well-being, including mental health. Two recent cases highlight the positive impact of the HUT program on our clinic and our clients.
- Client participant in the HUT program sought our behavioral services to address his persistent anxiety and schizoaffective disorder. However, his limited income made it difficult to attend therapy sessions and access necessary medications consistently.
- Client participant in the HUT program, which has provided her with valuable assistance over the past year. Notably, the client resided in Maui and was located within a 15-minute proximity of the recent wildfires. The proximity to these wildfires has led to heightened anxiety levels for her, prompting her to seek increased sessions with her therapist for additional support and coping strategies.
The HUT program’s partnership with our clinic proved invaluable for our client’s journey to improved mental health. Through its collaboration with local community organizations, the program offered financial assistance. This assistance allowed our clients to engage in regular sessions, fostering gradual progress in managing their mental health challenges, attending therapy sessions and accessing necessary medications consistently difficult.