(Picture caption: Pacific mental health leaders gather in Auckland to share ideas around enhancing mental health and addiction services.)
A cohort of Pacific mental health thought leaders stemming from all corners of the globe recently gathered in Aotearoa New Zealand, for an insightful exchange of ideas.
Pacific health and wellbeing provider Le Va hosted the leaders from the Pacific Behavioral Health Collaborating Council (PBHCC), a partnership between six United States-affiliated Pacific jurisdictions, Palau, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, American Samoa, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
The council’s vision is to achieve Pacific Island communities, families, and individuals, who are substance abuse free and have access to optimal mental health care.
This visit to Auckland was co-hosted by the Global Leadership Exchange (GLE) and Te Pou, with the objective to connect Pacific leaders in the fields of mental health, addiction, and disability.
Chief Executive of Le Va, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave says last year Le Va and GLE signed a memorandum of understanding with the intention of growing an international network of strong leadership to support the wellbeing of our communities in Aotearoa.
“This international exchange is the first tangible outcome arising from our partnership, which we hope will lead to improved wellbeing outcomes for all of our Pacific peoples,” Denise says.
The week-long event began with a traditional Tongan kava ceremony to welcome the international guests from PBHCC, including Vice President Reyna Saures, Director Dr Theresa Arriola and Executive Director James Arriola.
Acting US Consulate General Alexia Branch and Mara Hosoda Su’a (US Pacific Regional Engagement Specialist, US Consulate General Auckland) joined the welcome, alongside representatives from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, and Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health.
Discussions and presentations followed on international collaboration and implementation strategies to enhance mental health and addiction services globally.
Future collaboration between the organisations and agencies present will connect leaders in these sectors to help find solutions for our communities in Aotearoa, the Pacific and around the world.
Visit the Le Va website for more information.