MEDIA CONTACT:

Aubrey Hawk, APR

aubreyhawk@hawaii.rr.com

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Kahi Mohala announces layoffs

EWA BEACH, HI (March 12, 2009)—Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health, Hawai‘i’s only freestanding psychiatric hospital, announced layoffs today as a result of a deep reduction in a longstanding contract with the Hawai‘i Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division. Kahi Mohala employs approximately 200, and estimates layoffs representing up to15 percent of its workforce between now and June, 2009.

Because the hospital’s census has been on the rise overall, layoffs will be conducted gradually to ensure adequate coverage. Adjustments will be made over the next several months to account for the loss of the state contract. Patients affected by the reduction of the state contract who are still in need of hospital care will be transitioned to the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe.

“The loss of the contract leaves us with no choice but to downsize,” said Leonard Licina, Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health CEO. “We regret the hardship this presents our employees and their families and we are working with them to review their options to continue health care coverage and navigate unemployment benefits.”

Kahi Mohala is an 88-bed facility located on 14.5 acres in ‘Ewa Beach. It is a community-based, not for profit psychiatric hospital serving the needs of people and their families in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Rim. The facility is accredited by the Joint Commission, and certified by TRICARE and Medicare/Medicaid.

“Kahi Mohala will maintain quality service for its patients during and after this transition; as well as maintain a healthy environment for our workforce,” said Barbra Pleadwell, Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health Board Chair.

“Few events cause as much stress, confusion and uncertainty among employees as downsizing,” said Pleadwell. “We are committed to transparency and will be communicating regularly with our team and the community.”

Kahi Mohala marks 25 years of service to the community this year.
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