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In the face of disaster, resilience and community unity become the guiding lights.

SHOW NOTES:

August 24, 2023 – Episode # 102

Hope and Healing for Maui featuring Melinda Sweany

In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that swept through western Maui, the heart-wrenching toll on lives and communities is impossible to ignore. With over 116 lives lost, and more than 800 still missing, this catastrophe stands as the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in over a century. The ferocity of the flames, spreading at a staggering rate of a mile per minute, left little room for escape, leaving survivors in a race against time. The destructive power of wildfires, and their rapid and unpredictable nature, have cast a grim shadow over disaster response efforts.

The Maui wildfires have been compared to “freight trains” of destruction. The events of August 8th marked the tragic start, as flames surged through the Kula area and Lahaina, spurred by fierce winds. The chaos and devastation faced by the community serve as a poignant reminder of the unwavering spirit of unity that emerges in times of crisis. As people band together to support one another, the unyielding strength required to rebuild lives shattered by nature’s unrelenting force becomes a testament to human resilience and compassion.

Maui Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare services with compassion, dignity, and respect to both residents and visitors of Maui and Lanai. Following the Maui wildfires, their mission to establish permanent residences for medical caregivers has gained even greater significance.

Tune in to this episode of Raise Nation Radio as we sit down with Melinda Sweany, Chief Development Officer, Maui Health System. Melinda shares insights into the community’s emotional landscape, the impact on both physical and mental well-being, and the tough decisions involved in prioritizing actions during times of disaster. Join us as she addresses pressing questions about the challenges the foundation currently faces, the resilient response from the community, and ways listeners can extend their support to the Maui Health Foundation.

Melinda discusses:

  • Severe shortage of nurses and medical caregivers in the region.
  • Maui’s swift mobilization within a week to relocate sheltered individuals.
  • Recovery time is of the essence.
  • Corporate matching sponsors can be the game-changer for the $1M needed.
  • Appreciation for the swift support from national organizations.
  • Optimism for a complete and successful recovery.

Items needed: clothing, scrubs, stethoscopes, basic essentials, cell phones, laptops, household items. toys.

 

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