Using a culturally sensitive approach helps responders better understand survivor needs in the aftermath of a natural or man-made disaster. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, cultural sensitivity training equips responders with “the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs that can enable them to work well with, respond effectively to, and be supportive of [survivors] in cross-cultural settings” – all essential elements in supporting long-term healing and recovery (AAFP 2024).
In response to the August 2023 wildfire in Maui, Hawaii, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) deployed personnel and equipment, including a team of behavioral health specialists from ASPR and from the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, to provide direct clinical support to Maui residents and disaster responders. Part of that support has been the development of the workshop Wellness with Aloha, Living Well in Harmony, training that helped ASPR’s responders better understand the community before they started to provide support.
Wellness with Aloha is guided by a strong sense of commitment and responsibility to establish culturally sensitive approaches to meet survivors where they are. The workshop was developed in Maui – specifically for the people of Lahaina, Maui – in close collaboration with local community organizations that have traditionally cared for their members with local healing practices, including the AANHPI ‘Ohana Center of Excellence. The session covers stress, recovery, how to live well, and more. The training provides concrete self-care tips and engages participants in relaxation skill building.
What makes Wellness with Aloha stand out among a myriad of wellness resources is that this training is imbued with elements of unity, community harmony, and compassion for others – all concepts that deeply resonate with the people of Lahaina.
In keeping with ASPR’s commitment to cultural and linguistic competency for crisis response, the development and delivery of the Wellness with Aloha workshop has been carefully planned and executed, with the people of Lahaina in mind and collaboration every step of the way. The workshop has been delivered successfully to several community groups, such as hotel and local response workers, and is now being introduced – by trusted community organizations – to the community at large.
We encourage our partners to integrate culturally sensitive approaches into their disaster response operations. To learn more about ways that your organization can integrate cultural competency into your disaster response and recovery operations, see ASPR’s Cultural and Linguistic Competency for Disaster Preparedness Planning and Crisis Response.
