SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sutter Health, a not-for-profit, integrated health system, is responding to the devastating wildfires on Maui by donating $250,000 to relief efforts with a particular focus on providing immediate assistance to those grappling with the impact of the fires. The funds are being distributed equally, with $125,000 being allocated to both the American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter-Maui Relief Fund and Maui Food Bank. These organizations play a vital role in extending support to the affected communities.
Sutter Health’s donations will help bring food, water and emergency shelter to people affected most, including those in Lahaina and Kula on Maui.
“Our hearts are heavy for those throughout the state of Hawaii who have endured tremendous loss and have a long road to recovery,” expressed Warner L. Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health. “As we join forces with people all over the world to support the resilient Maui community, we hope these kinds of donations will help bring some relief and comfort to those most in need during this uncertain time.”
Sutter Health’s system includes Kāhi Mōhala, a critical resource for mental health services in ‘Ewa Beach, Oahu. Kāhi Mōhala opened in 1983 and remains Hawaii’s only free-standing, residential, not-for-profit psychiatric hospital.
“As we work together in this endeavor, we unite as an ‘ohana (family), regardless of physical distances,” said Mark Linscott, interim administrator for Kāhi Mōhala. “Even in these moments of extreme hardship, the resilience displayed by the people of Hawaii is truly remarkable. The outpouring of compassion and kindness we have seen continues to give all of us strength and reminds us of the power of community.”
Kāhi Mōhala team members have already mobilized into action helping local support efforts, including organizing collections of goods to send to Maui. This work, paired with Sutter Health’s donations, is part of a greater collective of support from others across the globe committed to helping this cherished and beloved community.
Sutter Health has long partnered with the American Red Cross to help people impacted by natural disasters in the U.S. and worldwide. This includes substantial support for fire-affected areas in Northern California in 2018 and similar regions impacted by wildfires in 2017. The organization has also contributed to hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. Sutter Health’s commitment extends to food banks like Hawaii’s, Aloha Harvest and Hawaii Food Bank on Oahu, reflecting a dedication that spans decades.
For more information on how to support these organizations, visit https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ and https://mauifoodbank.org/.
