HĀLAWA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY HOSTS WELLNESS FAIR FOR CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND NON-UNIFORMED STAFF

ʻAIEA, Hawaiʻi -The Hālawa Correctional Facility hosted a wellness fair Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, where more than a dozen organizations provided information on health and wellness to adult corrections officers (ACO) and non-uniformed staff.

During the event, HMSA administered blood pressure checks and trained professionals from Stretch Lab provided complimentary stretch demonstrations for facility staff. Practitioners from Project Koa Yoga also gave demonstrations on breathing and grounding techniques that foster a sense of calm and connection. Various vendors also provided information on resources relating to health, financial wellness and retirement planning.

Director Tommy Johnson of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said, "Our staff is our most valuable asset. It is critical for our uniformed and non-uniformed staff to practice self-care. The health and well-being of our workforce is vital to facility operations."

Approximately 235 corrections officers and 55 non-uniformed personnel are currently employed at HCF.

Since the department's redesignation from the Department of Public Safety (PSD) to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) on Jan. 1, 2024, the department is making strides to prioritize health and wellness for uniformed and non-uniformed staff.

In recent months, the department's Training Academy in Iwilei and Women's Community Correctional Center also hosted wellness fairs.

Corrections officers and non-uniformed staff are susceptible to burnout, anxiety, depression and other adverse health effects due to work demands.

DCR provides resources and programs that encourage physical fitness, mental well-being and work-life balance, according to Deputy Director Melanie Martin of the Administration Division, who leads the department's wellness efforts.

"The department's focus on overall health helps boost morale and productivity," Martin said.

Footage and photos of the wellness fair, courtesy of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, are available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_zSOW5ZkkLzie3zgg-rLqZfPdFQ1evKO?usp=sharing.

Media contact:
Rosemarie Bernardo
Public Information Officer
Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Office: 808-587-1358
Cell: 808-683-5507
Email:[email protected]
Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov