Maui District Health Office

09/11/2026

During a natural disaster, it may be difficult to safely feed your infant. Breastfeeding is the safest way to feed a baby during an emergency. Infants unable to breastfeed or be fed expressed breast milk can be fed with ready-to-feed (RTF) infant formula. Unlike powdered formula, RTF does not require water to prepare.

Three action steps to take today:
-Research infant feeding options
-Gather emergency supplies
-Connect with other moms for support

To learn more about the safety precautions needed for breastfeeding and formula feeding during an emergency, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/php/facts.html

09/11/2026

Yes, play is essential for kids. And play can be great for us adults too. So when play is at home, make time to get out and play with your kids.

Recess isn’t “just play” — it’s essential. Kids thrive when they’re given time to move, breathe, and reset during their school day.

✨Stronger bodies, stronger social skills - active play helps keiki build healthier bodies and important life skills like teamwork, communication, and problem solving.

🧠 Brain breaks boost learning - stepping away from structured class time reduces stress and gives the brain a chance to recharge — leading to better focus, positive classroom conduct, and improved academic performance.

🌱 Recess is not a luxury - unstructured play isn’t an extra — it’s a necessary part of learning, growing, and staying healthy at every age.

Learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/why-school-recess-matters-for-kids-of-all-ages-AAP-policy-explained.aspx

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

On ***dePreventionDay we remind everyone that support is always within reach.

From trainings to sign waving to walks, partners across Hawai‘i are working together to raise awareness this month. Help is just a call, text, or chat away.

https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-partners-to-support-suicide-prevention-and-awareness-month-statewide/

09/04/2026

As we continue to navigate an active hurricane season, prepare now, be informed and keep your family safe. To sign up for alerts, visit ready.hawaii.gov.

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

September is **Su***de Prevention Awareness Month**. 💜

Su***de prevention isn’t only about recognizing warning signs. It’s also about strengthening the **protective factors** that help people navigate difficult moments, recover from setbacks, and stay connected to life.

Protective factors can include:
💜 Strong relationships with family, friends, and community
💜 Feeling connected, valued, and that you belong
💜 Healthy coping and problem-solving skills
💜 Access to mental health care and support
💜 Cultural identity, traditions, and connection to community
💜 Having reasons for living, hope, and a sense of purpose
💜 Knowing where and how to ask for help

Here in Hawaiʻi, connection is one of our greatest strengths. Checking in on someone, listening without judgment, inviting someone into community, or simply reminding them that they matter can help strengthen the protective factors that support mental wellness.

This September, let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s build connection, strengthen resilience, reduce shame around asking for help, and create communities where people know they don’t have to face difficult times alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text **988** to connect with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24/7.

**Connection protects. Hope protects. Community protects.** 💜

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention