FEMA continues to support the overall wellbeing of wildfire survivors through referrals to appropriate resources for difficulties which are outside the scope of the agency.
Q. Does FEMA provide mental health services to wildfire survivors?
A. FEMA does not provide mental health services directly to disaster survivors. FEMA provides information about existing mental health resources available to survivors, and, in some cases, provides financial support for these services. For example, in the wake of the Maui wildfires FEMA approved a $4.5 million grant to the Hawai‘i State Department of Health for its Crisis Counseling program.
Q. How do survivors find mental health resources?
A. To find a comprehensive list of resources to suit specific needs, survivors should visit MauiRecovers.org or call 988 to receive referrals over the phone. Survivors may also contact their Recertification Advisor and their Disaster Case Manager to receive lists of resources available in their area.
Q. What if a survivor does not have insurance but is in need of mental health support?
A. There are a number of free services available to wildfire survivors that do not require insurance. The Maui Certified Behavioral Health Clinic is open to anyone, regardless of insurance status. Here, survivors can be connected with support and resources to receive individual and group therapy, case management, peer support services and crisis services.
For additional free resources, survivors should contact their Recertification Advisor.
Q. What should survivors do if they fear for their safety or the safety of others?
A. If a survivor is facing an immediate threat, they should call or text 911 for emergency assistance. Matters related to violence, abuse, coercion or criminal behavior are handled by law enforcement agencies, not by FEMA.
Q. Who should survivors call for immediate mental health support through talk therapy?
A. By calling 988, individuals in an emotional crisis can immediately speak with a local crisis counselor. If the survivor has an 808 area code, 988 will direct them to Hawai‘i Cares. If they do not have a local area code and would like to speak to a local representative, they can use the direct number at 808-832-3100 or call toll free at 800-753-6879. For the crisis text line, survivors should text ALOHA to 741-741.
FEMA believes that addressing mental health is a part of disaster recovery and encourages individuals to seek support. With state, county and local community partners, there are resources available for wildfire survivors. Individuals in FEMA temporary housing programs should contact their Recertification Advisor for further details.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.