A University of Hawaiʻi research program tracking the health of Lahaina wildfire survivors has enrolled 2,500 participants over three years but is now at risk of shutting down as federal and state funding sources dry up. The study, which provides health testing, therapy, and financial support to survivors, has been called a potential national model for post-disaster public health response.
- The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) has served 2,500 fire survivors with health screenings, mental health care, food aid, and cash support since the August 2023 fires.
- Three years after the disaster, only 15% of the more than 2,200 destroyed buildings have been rebuilt, and survivors continue to face significant health and financial challenges.
- Federal grant applications have gone unanswered for months, and state funding the researchers were counting on fell through just weeks before their most recent clinic event.
- Disaster health experts nationwide are watching MauiWES as a potential blueprint for holistic community health response after large-scale disasters.
- The study’s future remains uncertain as organizers search for new funding to keep operations running for the long term.
Source: Civil Beat
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