Understanding health impacts and system responses after the Maui wildfire disaster
Official title: Population Health and Health System Resiliency Following Maui's Wildfire Disaster
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-10993548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the health and healthcare challenges faced by the people of Lāhainā after the August 2023 wildfire, focusing on how well the community prepared for and responded to the disaster, so we can better support everyone affected in the future.
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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,555,588 |
| NIH project number | 1R61MD019939-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include residents of Lāhainā and surrounding areas who were impacted by the wildfire, particularly those with health concerns related to the disaster.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live outside of the affected areas or who were not impacted by the wildfire may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health and healthcare system challenges faced by the community of Lāhainā following the devastating wildfire in August 2023. It aims to assess the effectiveness of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, focusing on communication, resource allocation, and the unique needs of diverse populations affected by the disaster. By collecting and analyzing data on health threats such as respiratory diseases and mental health issues, the research seeks to inform future policies and practices to enhance community resilience against similar disasters.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved disaster response strategies and healthcare access for communities affected by wildfires and other emergencies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in improving disaster response and community health outcomes in similar contexts, indicating the potential effectiveness of this approach.
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.