In the wake of the devastating fires in Southern California and as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclaimed State of Emergency and Executive Order, the California Department of Public Health is taking steps to support and make things easier for Californians as recovery continues across the region.
These efforts span the department’s many public health programs and include issuing widespread approval for expanded response, eliminating or limiting fees and processes, expanding areas of coverage and more.
“Across our entire department, our teams are working toward the shared goal of supporting Californians impacted by these wildfires and easing their pain in whatever ways possible,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomás Aragón. “Public health isn’t just about supporting physical health, but also mental health, document recovery, food supply, logistics, recovery safety, and other essential needs.”
CDPH understands that recovering from these wildfires will be challenging and has developed a single online space for wildfire response information: go.cdph.ca.gov/wildfires.
Expanded Capacity at Health Care Facilities
CDPH, which oversees hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and more care access points across the state, has coordinated with local public health and emergency response teams to facilitate and ensure proper transfer of individuals in health care facilities to safe and secure locations.
More than 130 long-term care residents have been transferred to safety and CDPH continues to work with 120 facilities across the region to assess additional capacity and other facility needs.
CDPH issued blanket approval for these facilities in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties to quickly add bed capacity and services to their licenses. The blanket approval also allows facilities to set up additional beds in areas not traditionally used for patient rooms.
This approval allows for more rapid and expanded coverage and an increased ability to serve residents and patients that have been evacuated.
CDPH is providing guidance through All Facilities Letters for these facilities on how to submit additional waiver requests. These waivers are designed to support all facilities experiencing fire and windstorm related surges in capacity, as well as those dealing with staffing shortages due to impacted personnel.
Replacement of Vital Documents
CDPH is waving all fees for the replacement of certificates of birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage records for any individual or family who loses these items as a result of the fires.
CDPH can process requests to replace documents in as little as two to three days and is offering expanded on-site services at Disaster Recovery Centers and Local Assistance Centers across Southern California.
These documents can be critical during recovery and rebuilding, and CDPH is working to ensure that all individuals who need replacements are able to receive them quickly and at no cost.
Continued Benefits to WIC Families Impacted by the Fires
CDPH’s California Women, Infants and Children program offers eligible families access to healthy food and resources. CDPH is committed to ensuring WIC families continue to receive the benefits of this vital program.
WIC participants who have lost their WIC Card or WIC foods should contact their local WIC office which can be found online at MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov.
WIC families who have been dislocated by the fires and are staying in an area that is not near their regular WIC office or WIC grocer can find a nearby location finder at MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov.
Addressing Health Risks Posed by Wildfires
CDPH staff are on the ground in affected areas, working hand-in-hand with local, state, and federal partners to assess and mitigate the risks posed by the aftermath of a fire. This includes supporting coordinated guidance on soil, air, water quality and the safe handling of debris.
Coordinating Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts
CDPH is working with local, regional, state and federal partners to support wildfire response and recovery efforts.
CDPH activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program. People affected by the wildfire who need help filling prescriptions or getting medical equipment can locate participating pharmacies online.
CDPH has provided resource requests for personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators, medical and health staffing resources and comfort kits.
CDPH is coordinating with state, local and federal partners on recovery efforts to restore healthcare facilities and to address the risks to public health caused by the wildfires.
The state is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of all Californians and is actively working to support those individuals and communities suffering from the devastating effects of the wildfires in Southern California. CDPH’s mission is to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. That includes providing additional flexibilities, on-the-ground support and more in the face of disasters and challenges like these fires.
Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires, a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.
Covered California recently announced a special-enrollment period for residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. This special enrollment period will last until March 8. Resources are available through Los Angeles County and the State of California. Of the 1.3 million uninsured Californians who qualify for subsidies through Covered California or are eligible for Medi-Cal coverage, 356,000 of them reside in Southern California.
California has developed resource guides to help guide people through disasters and provide information on the different types of federal, state, and local services available in California:
Through the BenefitsCal portal, Californians can get and manage benefits online. This includes food assistance (CalFresh) formerly food stamps, cash aid (CalWORKs, General Assistance, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants), and affordable health insurance (Medi-Cal).
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:
The fires that impacted the Los Angeles area in early January, especially the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, have displaced thousands of people destroying or damaging more than 16,000 homes and businesses and burning more than 40,000 acres.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday announced the launch of a new state website with tools and resources for Californians who have been impacted by wildfires and utility-directed power shutoffs.
With wildfire smoke and reduced air quality affecting many California communities, the California Department of Public Health is urging Californians to take steps to protect themselves from air pollutants.
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