Specifically Requested Medical Aid Delivering to Partner Clinics

Respiratory Conditions Worsen as Ash and Smoke Blanket Area
October 14, 2008 

The Marek and Sesnon Fires have scorched 14,000 acres in the San Fernando Valley, sending plumes of smoke and ash across Los Angeles County. Direct Relief International's partner clinics in the region have specifically requested additional medical aid to treat their patients for respiratory conditions. Clinics have reported a surge in allergy- and asthma-related complaints since the fires began.

In the next two days, four clinics will receive medicines and supplies including N-95 particulate respirators (protective masks), nebulizers, and inhalers to treat respiratory conditions aggravated during wildfires. FedEx is delivering the shipments via in-kind donated freight to:

• Community Health Alliance of Pasadena, Pasadena
• South Bay Family Health Care, Torrance
• El Proyecto Del Barrio, Winnetka
• Mission City Community Network, North Hills

In addition to working directly with clinic partners and associations, Direct Relief’s emergency response coordinator today extended an offer of assistance to state and regional public emergency officials responding to the wildfire emergency in Los Angeles County.

State and county public health and safety organizations have mutual-aid arrangements in emergencies. Direct Relief works primarily with private nonprofit clinics but routinely coordinates with public health and emergency officials to avoid duplication of and to support government efforts.

Direct Relief will stay in close contact with emergency responders as the situation develops.

Direct Relief International Extends Emergency Assistance in Response to Los Angeles Wildfires

Particulate Masks, Nebulizers Provided to Area Clinics

October 13, 2008 

Direct Relief International today extended emergency assistance in response to two wildfires in the San Fernando Valley that have burned more than 10,000 acres, prompted evacuations of thousands of local residents, and caused two reported deaths.

The organization is coordinating its response with community-based clinics and health centers in the affected areas and with regional clinic associations.

During wildfires, respiratory issues become one of the most pressing health concerns. Direct Relief is providing to clinics in the affected areas nebulizers and N-95 particulate respirators (protective masks), which are recommended to protect lungs from wildfire smoke. Read about the masks here. 

Direct Relief staff contacted five clinics in the region as well as the California Primary Care Association and the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County to determine additional needs.

With grant funds from the California Community Foundation, Direct Relief recently pre-positioned critical medical supplies to treat asthma patients in anticipation of such wildfire events in 37 Los Angeles and Orange County clinics. Mission City Community Network in North Hills, about 5 miles from the Sesnon Fire, was among those that received the pre-positioned materials.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an unhealthful air quality warning for residents of the San Fernando Valley and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains. The American Lung Association offered guidelines for lung protection during fire conditions.

Direct Relief remains in close contact with clinic partners responding to the fires, including Northeast Valley Health Corporation in San Fernando, and Valley Community Clinic in North Hollywood and will furnish additional assistance. The organization conducts an ongoing support program with the community clinics throughout the state and, as a licensed pharmacy wholesaler, is able to assist with specific medical items not available through other channels.