Who can participate?
To be eligible for the study, you need to meet the following:
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Age: 10 years or older
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Must have resided or worked in or near the affected area by the Wildfires in Maui in August 2023
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Expected to be in Hawaii for at least five years and willing to participate every year
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How can you participate?
Register at the link below, select your appointment time, and complete the comprehensive survey sent to your email before your appointment date. Attend a recruitment event at the scheduled location and time. Once you complete the health metrics, you will receive up to $100 for your participation.
What to expect on your appointment date?
Please go to the check-in desk when you arrive. Our staff will help you check-in. They'll make sure your name and birthday match what you put in the survey and on your ID. Remember to bring your ID, or we won't be able to check you in.
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After you check in, our team will guide you on how to give the following samples:
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Health Measurements. A trained person will measure and record your height, weight, and blood pressure. They will also perform spirometer readings to look at lung capacity.
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Urine. You will be asked to provide a small sample of your urine in a clean container. This will help us check on different health markers and heavy metals you may have been exposed to.
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Saliva. You will be asked to provide split in a special tube or container to measure chemical compounds and markers of health, including the microbiome (natural bacteria in your body).
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Blood sample (Adults Only). You will be asked to provide about 3-4 tablespoons of blood from your arm. This will help us learn about your health more comprehensively, for instance by looking at substances in your blood that can cause inflammations.
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After we collect your samples, you'll get some initial quick results right there and get an explanation of what they mean. We'll also show you how to access your personal dashboard, where you can find all the info we've gathered about you and what to do next. You will receive $100 and remind you about your appointment next year.
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Collecting all the samples usually takes around 30 minutes, but when it's really busy, it might take up to an hour to finish everything and receive your results.
Why Participate?
Following the devastating wildfires of August 8-11, 2023, our Maui community is in the process of healing from deep-seated emotional, mental, and physical wounds. The aftermath of the fires has left behind a variety of environmental dangers, such as air pollution, toxic substances, and heavy metals.
These hazards pose ongoing health risks to those affected, potentially leading to worsened health conditions over time. Without proper investigation, the full impact of these wildfires on the health and overall well-being of our community may remain unknown, including the potential for future illnesses resulting from exposure.
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We invite you to contribute to our understanding of Maui's health and social needs by participating in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES). This study offers you the opportunity to gain insights into your current health status and potential ongoing exposure to wildfire-related hazards that might influence your health in the future. While your individual results will be kept confidential, they will be included in the study's overall data anonymously, helping us all grasp the broader effects of the wildfires on Maui. The information gathered is vital for improving current conditions and mitigating the risk of serious health issues in the future, such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Your involvement in this study is crucial in preventing further health-related consequences and mortality due to wildfires in the years to come.