2024 is the Year of Heart
IMUA Heart
Same mission. More impact.
Moving Health Forward
IMUA Health Group is turning into a nonprofit. We are a community mental health center with fitness, nutrition, culture, and education at it’s Heart.
Who We Are
The formation of IMUA Heart is rooted in a deep commitment to support and amplify the groundbreaking work initiated by IMUA Health since its establishment in 2019. At the core of IMUA Health’s mission is the drive to “move health forward.” Serving a number of patients covered by Medicare/Medicaid insurance in Hawai‘i, the organization has grappled with the high operational costs unique to doing business in our beautiful state. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions to address the lack of adequate mental health services, IMUA Health introduced the pioneering IMUA Model, designed to train and transition providers into private practice. This visionary approach not only improves accessibility to essential healthcare services in our state but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and robust healthcare ecosystem. IMUA Heart was born to financially support this vision, focusing on the critical aspect of mental health and addiction services, which are integral to the overall well-being of our community.
Untreated adults in Hawaii*
Patients served (IMUA)
Years of experience by IMUA Providers
*According to Mental Health America’s Access to Care Rankings 2023.
Our Cause
Hawai‘i is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, but beneath its paradise exterior, many residents face mental health challenges that often go unnoticed and untreated. IMUA Health is a multidisciplinary behavioral health group we support, which is committed to changing this reality. They offer a wide range of services, including outreach, therapy, and consultation, to address the unique needs of our community. Read about IMUA Heart’s initiatives here.
In the United States, the prevalence of mental health concerns has reached alarming levels. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 20% of adults experienced a mental illness in 2020, with 5.2% suffering from severe conditions. These statistics reflect a pressing national issue. In Hawai‘i, while the state boasts a serene natural landscape, it is not immune to these mental health challenges. According to the CDC, Hawai‘i saw a substantial increase in youth suicides, with rates rising by 30% over the last decade. This unsettling trend underscores the urgent need for accessible and effective mental health services within the state to address the unique needs of its population.
The United States and Hawai‘i face a concerning shortage of mental health services, exacerbating the mental health crisis. Nationally, the shortage of mental health professionals is glaring, with only 43.4% of adults with a mental illness receiving treatment, as reported by SAMHSA. In Hawai‘i, the situation is further complicated by a lack of culturally competent mental health care. According to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Needs Assessment, these communities are disproportionately underserved, with only 3% of licensed psychologists in Hawai‘i identifying as AANHPI. This shortage highlights the need for greater diversity and cultural competence among mental health professionals to provide adequate care to these communities. Addressing this disparity is essential to ensuring equitable access to mental health services and promoting the well-being of all residents in Hawai‘i and across the United States.
With YOUR Help
Our nonprofit relies on the generosity of individuals like you to keep these vital services accessible to all who need them. The demand for mental health support in Hawai‘i has never been higher, especially with the added challenges of the past few years. With your support, we can expand the reach of these services, reduce wait times for care, and ensure that no one in our community has to face their struggles alone. IMUA Heart is looking for our first Warriors, Champions, Leaders, Founding Members, and Friends. Check out our membership & donation tiers here.
Initiatives of the Heart
Cultural Education & Services
Mental health studies show cultural ties reduce stress and boost well-being. In Hawai’i, cultural roots are fading. Your donation will allow us to expand cultural education and activities, providing a deeper connection to Hawaiian traditions and values. Help our community rediscover its roots, enhance mental health, and promote a sense of identity and pride.
Food as Medicine
Eating right helps our minds and bodies (reducing depression risk by up to 30%). In Hawai‘i, it can be hard to find healthy food, so we need your support for education. In the US, many people struggle with obesity (42.4% in 2020 – CDC). Your donation will help us teach better food choices for a healthier community.
IMUA Village - Youth Program
In the past decade, youth suicide rates in Hawai‘i have surged by 30%, emphasizing the urgent need for support systems for high school students. Your generous donations will fund dedicated staff for our IMUA Village initiative, creating a comprehensive program covering fitness, tutoring, and creative arts. Together, we’ll boost self-esteem, resilience, and connection, equipping them to grow and reach their full potential.
Health & Wellness Center
Physical and emotional health are closely linked, but access to well-being spaces in our community is limited. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety by 25% through the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. These chemicals not only improve immediate well-being but also yield long-term mental health benefits. We need $250,000 for renovations and equipment to make this dream real. Your donation will create a welcoming space to improve physical and emotional well-being and promote a healthier, balanced life.
Membership and Donation Tiers
Support our mission and make a lasting impact with our varied membership and donation options! From the Friend of IMUA for newcomers to the exclusive IMUA Warrior, we offer levels for everyone. Every donation counts, whether you’re an IMUA Founding Member or an IMUA Champion. Join us in our commitment to Hawaii’s community wellness. Your support and belief in our cause are invaluable. We are looking for our first 50 Warriors, 100 Champions, 200 Leaders, and 1000 Founding Members. Mahalo!
Friend of IMUA - $1 to $999
Recurring donations are the oxygen of IMUA Heart’s initiatives. Membership and donation tiers are based on support given during the calendar year. Coming in 2024, all Friends of IMUA will receive:
- A subscription to “Messages from the Heart”; our newsletter where you will be updated on all the latest things happening here at IMUA Heart and the state of Mental Health here in Hawaii. Our e-publication also includes content from Mental Health Minute, a company that spreads positivity one minute at a time.
- IMUA Heart Christmas card – you’re on our list!
- Volunteer service opportunities
IMUA Member - $1000 to $2499
Recurring donations are the oxygen of IMUA Heart’s initiatives. Membership and donation tiers are based on support given during the calendar year. Coming in 2024, all IMUA Members will receive:
- Everything in the previous tier plus…
- Issued Founding Member card with unique number
- The first 1000 Founding Members will be recognized in the annual report for as long as they are active*
- Early notice for volunteer service opportunites
- Early notice for IMUA Heart events
IMUA Leader - $2500 to $4999
Recurring donations are the oxygen of IMUA Heart’s initiatives. Membership and donation tiers are based on support given during the calendar year. Coming in 2024, all IMUA Leaders will receive:
- Everything in the previous tiers plus…
- Discounts on IMUA Heart events
- Mental Health Minute box with pins and exclusive IMUA Heart pens and stickers.
IMUA Champion - $5000 to $9999
Recurring donations are the oxygen of IMUA Heart’s initiatives. Membership and donation tiers are based on support given during the calendar year. Coming in 2024, all IMUA Champions will receive:
- Everything in the previous tiers plus…
- IMUA Champion (exclusive – not for sale) t-shirt. Added to your MHM box.
- Invite to IMUA Heart’s Champions Dinner event. This annual event is for donors at the Champions & Warrior tiers.
IMUA Warrior - $10,000 and beyond
Recurring donations are the oxygen of IMUA Heart’s initiatives. Membership and donation tiers are based on support given during the calendar year. Coming in 2024, all IMUA Warriors will receive:
- Everything in previous tiers plus…
- IMUA Warrior (exclusive – not for sale) t-shirt and your choice of an IMUA hoodie or polo. Added to your MHM box.
- VIP seating at IMUA Heart’s Champions Dinner event. This annual event is for donors at the Champions & Warrior tiers.
Services
Therapy
Many of us have felt alone, like no one understands what we’re going through. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are just a few of the things that our caring therapists can help with.
Post Grad Training
Congratulations on graduating! Let’s work towards getting you licensed. We have a PsyD, LMHC, and a LCSW to help you with supervision hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Year of Heart?
“2024 is the The Year of Heart” is what we’re calling our fundraising drive! Our mission is to gather the necessary funds to kickstart the IMUA Heart initiatives, which will allow us to provide even better support to our beloved communities in Hawaii.
What are the initiatives?
We’re excited to introduce four new programs as part of the IMUA Heart Initiatives, expanding our services in Hawaii. These programs include Cultural Education & Services, Food as Medicine, IMUA Village – Youth Program, and Movement as Medicine. As these initiatives may not always qualify for insurance reimbursement, we are reaching out for your support in bringing them to life. For more info on the Initiatives of the Heart, click here.
Who are these services for?
Anyone living in the state of Hawaii. Currently, IMUA Health Group provides mental health services and accepts most major insurances. IMUA Heart will do the same.
For the Initiatives of the Heart, we are designing a comprehensive program to help the teens of Hawaii with IMUA Village, while the other initiatives are designed for anyone looking to get healthier.
Who is providing these services?
Check out Team IMUA.
Why are these services important to our community?
Read about IMUA Heart’s cause.
When are these services happening?
Therapy services and post graduate training has been happening since 2020 through IMUA Health Group.
2024 is the Year of Heart. We hope to launch these initiatives during that year.
How much do services cost?
For therapy, IMUA Health Group accepts most major insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid (Quest). IMUA Heart will do the same when credentialing is complete (estimated 2024).
The Initiatives of the Heart will have a sliding scale that goes all the way to free. More information to be released soon.
How can I help?
Every penny, every dollar, every person sharing IMUA Heart’s mission helps. Donate here. IMUA Heart is looking for our first Warriors, Champions, Leaders, Founding Members, and Friends. Check out our membership & donation tiers here.
*Active donors have made contributions within the current calendar year.
Still have questions?
Connect with one of our friendly staff members about services, joining the team, or just say hi.
