Good Samaritans can make a difference
On a recent weekend I took a trip to my hometown in Northern California. This part of the state has been ravaged by recent, catastrophic wildfires. The community responded by offering their homes to strangers, money to those harmed, and services anyway imaginable. Inspirational paper signs popped up all over town stating, “The love in the air is thicker than the smoke.”
Thousands of people have stepped up to help out their neighbors, businesses and fury friends. However, many of these people had no prior connection or training with a volunteer disaster organization. Here in Maui we have the Maui County Health Volunteers. This organization trains, vets and organizes these good Samaritans so that in trying times they can be as useful and helpful as possible.
As an isolated island chain, when a disaster strikes here it will be up to the community to come together and overcome the adversity. Please consider joining the Maui County Health Volunteers so that you may be ready.
No medical experience is necessary to join and the time obligation is minimal. All training and participation are free of cost. We have our next orientation on Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center. Please call (808) 243-8649 to register and we hope to see you there.
Sara Routley
Wailuku