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Today: February 19, 2025
Today: February 19, 2025

How California is supporting residents impacted by L.A. fires

How California is supporting residents impacted by L.A. firesPhoto by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
January 28, 2025
Sowjanya Pedada - LA Post

California has launched comprehensive support measures to assist residents affected by the Los Angeles fires. These measures focus on providing access to healthcare, food, water, and shelter through coordinated state and federal efforts.

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) is leading initiatives to help vulnerable populations access critical resources, including reopening childcare facilities, senior living centers and implementing emergency healthcare measures.

"Those impacted by this disaster – especially our most vulnerable residents – need our support more than ever, and we are here to help," said Gov. Gavin Newsom. He emphasized the state's all-hands-on-deck approach to response and recovery efforts.

CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson highlighted the agency's focus on equitable recovery. "CalHHS is focused on ensuring a responsive, equitable, and swift recovery that meets the needs of vulnerable populations through trauma-informed approaches, meeting language access needs, and assisting older adults and people with disabilities," Johnson said.

Health Care Services Department has implemented administrative flexibilities for Medi-Cal members, simplifying enrollment and renewal processes. The department has also waived requirements for accessing prescription medications and medical devices during the emergency.

Mental health support remains a priority, with the state operating the CalHOPE Warm Line, a 24-hour peer-run hotline providing free, confidential emotional support. The service can be reached at (833)-317-HOPE (4673) for English speakers and (833)-642-7696 for Spanish speakers.

The Department of Managed Health Care has directed health plans to ensure continued access to medical services for affected residents. The department published a resource guide helping impacted health plan members navigate care options, including expedited approvals and prescription replacements.

California received federal approval for the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, allowing uninsured residents in federally identified disaster areas to access prescription drugs, vaccinations, and medical supplies. Affected residents can verify eligibility by calling 855-793-7470.

The state released $1 million in emergency funding for food boxes and drinking water to address food security concerns. The L.A. Regional Food Bank has begun receiving and distributing 25,000 food boxes to affected areas.

Federal waivers now allow CalFresh beneficiaries to purchase hot food items, with extended periods for requesting replacement benefits for food lost in the fires. The state plans to seek additional resources, including Disaster CalFresh benefits, for households experiencing food loss or damage.

Federal approval of the State Supplemental Grant Program and Disaster Case Management Program has enhanced case management services. These programs provide grant funding and support services to help eligible residents recover from fire damage.

Newsom issued executive orders expanding eviction protections and streamlining rebuilding processes. Executive Order N-2-25 and Executive Order N-3-25 granted the California Department of Social Services flexibility to waive licensing requirements for critical service facilities affected by the fires.

The Department of Health Care Access and Information, working with the California Department of Public Health and local fire marshals, has conducted repopulation visits at skilled nursing facilities to ensure safe reentry for patients and staff.

The state deployed two California Medical Assistance Teams and two Ambulance Strike Teams through the California Emergency Medical Services Authority. These teams provide medical treatment to firefighters, assist with patient evacuations, and distribute medical supplies.

The California Department of Public Health delivered more than one million N-95 masks and thousands of cases of bottled water to L.A. County. The department continues to address concerns about air quality, drinking water, and hazardous debris.

Currently, six shelters support 542 people, providing food, water, and immediate healthcare assistance. The Department of Social Services has deployed members of the Volunteer Emergency Services Team and Functional Assessment Service Team to support response and recovery efforts.

Covered California announced a special enrollment period for Los Angeles and Ventura County residents, extending through March 8, 2025. Of the 1.3 million uninsured Californians eligible for subsidies or Medi-Cal coverage, 356,000 reside in Southern California.

The Department of Developmental Services conducts wellness checks through Regional Centers for people with developmental disabilities. The California Department of Aging coordinates with local Area Agencies on Aging and Community-Based Adult Services centers to support seniors and connect them with recovery resources.

Residents seeking assistance can access resources through CA.gov/LAfires, a central hub for state, local, and federal government information. The state has developed multiple resource guides in various languages, including the CalHHS Emergency Resource Guide and guides specific to immigrant Californians and individuals with disabilities.

Affected individuals and business owners can apply for disaster assistance through multiple channels:

- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

- By phone at 800-621-3362

- Through the FEMA smartphone application

Assistance is available in more than 40 languages, with relay services accessible for those who need them.

The BenefitsCal portal allows Californians to manage various assistance programs, including CalFresh food assistance, CalWORKs cash aid, and Medi-Cal health insurance. Local support services include the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, accessible through Wise & Healthy Aging at 310-394-9871 or the state CRISISline at 1-800-231-4024.

L.A. County, with state support, continues outreach to children in foster care and adults receiving adult protective services in impacted areas. The coordinated response demonstrates California's commitment to supporting its residents through the recovery process while maintaining focus on its most vulnerable populations.

Related Articles:

  1. How to prepare for the next fire in LA 
  2. LA fires: Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is a growing health risk, and not well understood 
  3. LA fires were larger and more intense because of planet-warming pollution, study suggests

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