Washington, D.C. — As destruction from the devastating wildfires in Maui continues to add up, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) has committed relief aid to the Hawaiian community in the amount of $25,000. APAF’s gift will be made to the Maui Strong Fund.

With the death toll exceeding 110 people and still rising, a full community response is crucial. The Maui Strong Fund is an initiative by the Hawai’i Community Foundation and will provide support for Hawaiians as they work towards recovery from the largest natural disaster in state history.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families on and off the mainland,” said Rawle Andrews, Jr., Esq., APAF Executive Director. “We can rebuild our roads, bridges, and buildings, but what about the well-being of our people? This is why we are supporting recovery efforts on the island of Maui with a gift of our own and encouraging all APA Foundation supporters to get involved in the effort.”

APAF will absorb all administrative expenses for those who contribute to the Maui relief campaign, such that 100% of funds donated will go directly to the recovery efforts. To learn more about responding to the wildfires, see a list of resources for mental health clinicians compiled by the American Psychiatric Association.

“Natural disasters take an enormous toll on the mental health of individuals and communities,” said Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., the CEO and Medical Director of the American Psychiatric Association. “It is imperative that the psychiatric community rallies around Maui during their efforts to rebuild not only their physical and environmental health, but their mental health as well.”

Visit the APAF website to learn more or donate to the relief fund.

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation is the philanthropic and educational arm of APA. The APA Foundation promotes awareness of mental illnesses and the effectiveness of treatment, the importance of early intervention, access to care, and the need for high-quality services and treatment through a combination of public and professional education, research, research training, grants, and awards.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 38,000 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.