Population health and health system resiliency after Maui's wildfire disaster
Official title: Population Health and Health System Resiliency Following Maui's Wildfire Disaster
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-11423067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in Maui will follow how healthcare and communities respond to a major wildfire, with the goal of improving access to care and resilience for residents and responders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $745,875 |
| NIH project number | 4R33MD019939-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11423067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Residents and responders in Maui affected by the Lahaina wildfire, including Medicaid recipients and communities with limited access to care.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not directly impacted by the Maui wildfire or those outside the study communities.
What this research studies
This project looks at how Maui’s healthcare system, emergency services, and community supports coped during and after the Lahaina wildfire. Researchers will analyze data on access to care, communication, and resource distribution to identify gaps. The team aims to translate findings into policies and practices that can reduce harm and improve recovery for diverse populations, including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. The work will involve collaboration with local providers, patients, and policymakers to understand needs and test improvements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to better disaster response plans, faster access to care, and stronger community support during future wildfires.
How similar studies have gone: Previous disaster-health studies have informed policy changes, and this work builds on that foundation with a focus on Maui’s unique communities.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ortega, Alexander N — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Ortega, Alexander N
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.