The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has announced that it will be conducting a needs assessment survey for residents of Maui who have been affected by the recent wildfires. The purpose of this survey is to identify the ongoing priorities of the community and to determine any barriers they may be facing in accessing healthcare and essential services. The survey will play a crucial role in guiding the allocation of state and federal resources to meet the immediate and medium-term needs of the affected residents.

Understanding the Importance of Community-Driven Efforts

Dr. Sarah Kemble, the State Epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of community-driven efforts in addressing the aftermath of the wildfires. She stated, “It’s critical that efforts by the Department of Health and our partners are driven by needs identified by Maui communities.” This needs assessment survey aims to better understand the gaps and barriers to care that residents are experiencing. The information collected through the survey will not only help direct resources but also ensure that households in need are connected to additional services they may require.

Conducting the Survey

From Monday to Wednesday, the DOH will reach out to a random selection of Maui residents impacted by the wildfires to participate in the survey. The survey will be conducted over the phone and is expected to take less than 10 minutes to complete. It is important to note that participation in the survey is completely voluntary.

During the survey, selected households will be asked about their resource needs, access to medical and behavioral health support services, current physical health and well-being, as well as any barriers they have encountered in applying for and receiving the necessary services. To ensure inclusivity, the survey can be conducted in multiple languages, including Ilocano, Tagalog, Marshallese, Spanish, and Hawaiian, with the assistance of interpreters.

Confidentiality and Data Collection

The DOH has assured participants that all survey responses will be kept confidential, and no personally identifiable information will be collected. The intention is to collect data that accurately represents the impacted population while respecting their privacy. This information will then be used to inform the ongoing work of the DOH and other emergency response partners.

Directing Resources and Supporting the Community

The needs assessment survey aims to provide important information that will guide the continued efforts of the DOH and other agencies involved in the response to the wildfires. By understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by the affected residents, resources can be directed appropriately to provide the necessary support.

Accessing Additional Resources

To learn more about available resources and support related to the Maui wildfires, the DOH encourages residents to visit the health.hawaii.gov/mauiwildfires website. Here, they can find comprehensive information and access the assistance they need during this challenging time.

In conclusion, the Hawaii Department of Health’s needs assessment survey for Maui residents affected by the wildfires plays a crucial role in identifying the ongoing priorities and barriers to care faced by the community. By collecting data that accurately represents the impacted population, the DOH can direct state and federal resources to meet the immediate and medium-term needs of the residents. This survey also ensures that households are connected to additional services they may require. The DOH appreciates the community’s participation in this assessment and emphasizes the importance of community-driven efforts in addressing the aftermath of the wildfires.