Every community shares a common hope: to see its keiki grow into healthy adults, families thrive and neighbors feel connected and supported. Yet, many of the challenges we face on Hawaii Island including substance use, mental health concerns, social isolation and homelessness often begin long before they become visible.

That is why prevention is one of the most important investments we can make.

Prevention is often misunderstood as simply telling young people what not to do. In reality, prevention is about building protective factors that strengthen individuals, families and communities before challenges become crises. It means creating opportunities for connection, increasing access to resources, encouraging healthy lifestyles and fostering a sense of belonging.

One example of prevention in action is the Big Island Substance Abuse Council’s annual Summer Jam. Now in its 12th year, Summer Jam has become a signature community event on Hawaii Island where health, wellness, culture and community come together. More than a day of entertainment, it connects families with resources, strengthens relationships and creates positive experiences for people of all ages.

Over the years, we have witnessed something remarkable. Families continue to return because Summer Jam has become a place where our community gathers to celebrate one another. The event has also grown significantly, with an expanding Health and Wellness Fair, more community organizations and healthcare partners, and an increasing number of Eat the Street food vendors and local crafters. This growth reflects something much larger than attendance it reflects a community that values connection, wellness and supporting one another.

This year’s Summer Jam welcomed more than 60 community partners committed to improving the health and well-being of Hawaii Island. We collected community surveys, with 97.5% of participants rating the event positively and agreeing that it increased their awareness of local health, wellness and prevention resources. These results remind us that community events are more than celebrations they are powerful opportunities to educate, connect and inspire healthier lives.

Summer Jam’s success belongs to our entire community. It reflects the commitment of nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, educators, first responders, local businesses, volunteers, entertainers, vendors and residents who believe healthier communities are built together. Building a healthier Hawaii Island is not the responsibility of one organization alone. It is the shared kuleana of all of us.

At the BISAC, we have spent more than 60 years providing prevention, behavioral health, substance use treatment, recovery support and family services across Hawaii Island. Every day, we witness the resilience of individuals and families who choose hope and healing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, mental health challenges, or simply doesn’t know where to turn, please know you are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

Learn more at www.bisac.org or call (808) 969-9994. Sometimes the hardest step is reaching out, but it can also be the first step toward healing.

Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita is the chief executive officer of Big Island Substance Abuse Council, a Hawaii nonprofit organization dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery and community wellness. This editorial is brought to you by Community First Hawaii, a nonprofit serving as a convener and catalyst for solutions to improve health and access to healthcare. For more information, please visit our website at www.communityfirsthawaii.org or Facebook and Instagram pages at @communityfirsthawaii