Notification from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Notification from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
LAC DPH Health Advisory:
Wildfire Response and Resources
January 13, 2025
This message is intended for all Los Angeles County healthcare providers.
Please distribute as appropriate.
Key Messages
  • Multiple LA County agencies and the California National Guard continue to respond to the wildfires. Two local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public tomorrow.
  • Fire safety and health resources, including information on the local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers, are available on the Public Health website: publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Wildfire. A comprehensive list of information related to active wildfires and services provided by the County of Los Angeles is available at www.lacounty.gov/emergency.
  • Healthcare providers are encouraged to review and share the following wildfire response resources.
Situation
Multiple Los Angeles County departments, including Sheriff, Fire, Office of Emergency Management, Public Works, and Public Health, continue to work together to provide comprehensive services in response to the fires in LA County. The California National Guard is deployed to support emergency response missions, including ingress and curfew enforcement for the impacted communities. Many people are still displaced from their homes or places of work. Water quality issues remain for many residencies and businesses in areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fires.
Two local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public tomorrow. Visit the Public Health Fire Safety and Health Information website for details about these centers. The website also provides resources such as area-specific boil water/do not drink notices, information on the temporary leaf-blower ban to help protect air quality, precautions when assessing property, and tips related to how to return home after a fire.
We recognize that many of you have also been directly impacted, losing homes, practices, or access to your workplaces. We acknowledge and deeply appreciate your efforts in supporting our community during this tough time.
Please review the important wildfire-related actions below.
Actions Requested of Providers
Assess Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health.
  • Screen patients for smoke and poor air quality exposure symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, wheezing, chest pain, headaches, eye and mucous membrane irritation).
  • Prioritize care for individuals with asthma, COPD, or cardiovascular conditions exacerbated by smoke (e.g., ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure). Children, older adults, or those who are pregnant are also especially at risk for severe outcomes.
  • Recommend N95 masks for at-risk patients and those exposed to smoke and ash.

    See CDC HAN Wildfire Smoke Exposure Poses Threat to At-Risk Populations for more detailed recommendations for healthcare providers.
Address Mental Health Needs
  • Be vigilant for evidence of anxiety, depression, acute or post-traumatic stress disorder, and for substance abuse among patients or colleagues. Pre-existing psychiatric conditions may be aggravated by a natural disaster or emergency.
  • Patients and colleagues experiencing mental health distress related to the wildfires should be encouraged to ask for help. 24/7 support and resources are available through the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Help Line at (800) 854-7771 and through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  • Encourage self-care and peer support among healthcare staff.

    See DMH Wildfire Disaster Mental Health Resources.
Ensure Continuity of Care
  • Assist evacuees and displaced patients in accessing chronic medications by providing refills, medical equipment, and health records as they may not be able to access their usual provider.
  • If a patient needs medication assisted treatment, such as suboxone and you are unable to provide this, please refer them to the MAT Consultation Line (213-288-9090) which operates 7 days per week from 8am - midnight.
  • Facilitate prescription refills and provide temporary medication supplies.
Prevent Infectious Diseases
  • Promote flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, especially for those in shelters or crowded conditions. The DPH vaccination webpage has information on where uninsured/underinsured adults and children can access vaccines.
  • Provide education on hygiene practices to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
Promote Safety During Cleanup
Provide Disaster Resources
Additional Resources
This communication was sent by Dr. Muntu Davis, Health Officer, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
To view a printable PDF of this communication and other LAHAN communications, please visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/lahan.
If this message was forwarded to you, please join LAHAN here.
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