CARE Hawaii Inc., a nonprofit organization contracted by the state Department of Health to provide crisis counseling services, will host a “Community Day of Healing” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Keaau Shipman Park to promote community health and wellness for those affected by the Kilauea eruption.
The Kilauea volcanic eruption and its aftermath still weigh heavily on the minds of many Hawaii Island residents, especially those who live in the Leilani Estates area who must continue to adjust to the changed landscape of their community.
They must also contend with the emotional and psychological effects of such a major disaster.
From May 3 to Aug. 4, 2018, the eruption destroyed 716 homes, forced the evacuation of 2,000 residents, isolated 1,600 acres of farmland, and caused damage in the lower Puna region estimated at more than $800 million.
The DOH awarded $949,137 to CARE Hawaii for crisis counseling assistance for Hawaii Island for the period of Sept. 21, 2018 to June 29, 2019.
The funding came from two sources administered by the DOH’s Adult Mental Health Division: the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
In addition to the DOH, CARE Hawaii partnered with local businesses, agencies and individuals to provide free food, live music by local musicians, haircuts, massages, smoking cessation services and informational booths.
There also will be a talk story session with survivors who will share their experiences during and after the eruption.