STAMFORD – As devastating wildfires continue to scorch Los Angeles, Americares has launched a rapid response to restore access to health services and address the most urgent health needs in affected communities.
The Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires have burned more than 28,000 acres, destroyed homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Smoke from the fires has caused air quality to reach hazardous levels in Los Angeles County, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality index. President Joe Biden on Wednesday, Jan. 8 approved a major disaster declaration for California, allowing affected communities and survivors to immediately access funds and resources to jumpstart their recovery.
Americares is prepared to deliver essential medicines, medical supplies, hygiene kits and first aid items to support communities. The health-focused relief organization has offered assistance to more than 70 partner health facilities in the path of the fires.
“Wildfires pose serious health risks, and our priority is ensuring that health care providers have the resources they need to continue delivering care in this time of crisis,” said Americares Director of U.S. Emergency Response Mariel Fonteyn. “By supporting clinics on the front lines, we’re helping to protect the health of communities facing the devastating impacts of these fires.”
The organization is also prepared to provide emergency funding to help restore health services for low-income and uninsured residents in affected communities.
The Los Angeles fires have taken five lives already as tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate and at least 2,000 buildings have been destroyed. An estimated 1.5 million electric customers were without power.
Americares has responded to some of the worst wildfires in the U.S., including the deadly Hawaii wildfires in 2023, the massive 2020 wildfires that scorched swaths of the West Coast, the 2017 California wildfires, the 2018 Carr Fire and the 2020 Apple Fire.
Americares responds to more than 35 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings preparedness programs to communities vulnerable to disasters.
Donations to Americares California Wildfire Relief Fund will support its response to this emergency. To donate, go to americares.org/cawildfires
