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Dr. Evelyn Lo receives a shipment of essential medicines, including insulin, antibiotics, and inhalers from Direct Relief staff on Jan. 15, 2025. Dr. Lo is the medical director of Medical Mission Adventures, which runs a mobile medical clinic providing care for patients near the Eaton Fire burn zone in Pasadena. (Photo by Mason Poole for Direct Relief)
When wildfires exploded on the west and east sides of Los Angeles County at the start of this year, the Palisades Fire near Malibu and the Eaton Fire in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, safety-net clinics and mobile health care providers faced differing realities. Though united in their mission to serve vulnerable patients, providers in the Palisades, Altadena, and the surrounding area, and other parts of L.A. navigated the blazes with distinct challenges, from evacuation orders to air quality crises. Supported by Direct Relief, which delivered rapid aid to clinics in both zones, these community health workers offer a revealing look at how fire response varies across the county’s geographic and socioeconomic divides.
Direct Relief spoke with health care providers and leaders at Medical Mission Adventures, Arroyo Vista Family Health Center, and Universal Community Health Centers, who shared their experiences and perspectives since the wildfires began.
Medical Mission Adventures
Medical Mission Adventures is a fully licensed mobile medical clinic registered as first responders with CAL VOAD and the Emergency Network of Los Angeles.
Direct Relief: What are you seeing most commonly in your patients in the aftermath of the wildfires—physically, emotionally, or otherwise?
Dr. Evelyn Lo, Executive Director & Medical Director: In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, our focus was on addressing survivors’ physical and medical needs. We saw a high volume of respiratory issues caused by smoke, ash, and debris. Direct Relief played a critical role in this phase, providing nebulizers, inhalers, and ensuring that asthma medications were FedExed to us overnight. For those struggling to breathe, this was truly a lifeline.
As the initial shock begins to wear off, a deeper emotional and psychological toll is surfacing. Survivors are now beginning to realize that this is their new reality—their new normal. We saw a similar shift after the Maui fires. People are coming to terms with the fact that their usual coping mechanisms, whether alcohol, medication, or distraction, are no longer working.
At the same time, the rest of the world, including media, relief organizations, and even well-meaning friends and family, has started to move on. Survivors are left navigating a profound sense of isolation and ongoing distress. Many are now voicing what they can no longer suppress:
“I need help. I can’t sleep or eat. The smell of smoke sends me into a panic.”
This is why we’ve chosen to pivot our efforts toward trauma-informed recovery. The need is both urgent and growing.
To meet this need, we have launched care and resilience groups, small groups of 10 to 12 survivors led by trauma-informed therapists, where individuals can begin processing their experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
Looking ahead, we are working to establish a wellness center designed to provide holistic care—addressing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of those impacted. Healing from trauma is a long journey, and we are committed to walking it with them.
Direct Relief: Are there any resources you or your patients urgently need but aren’t getting?
Dr. Lo: What truly surprised us was the level of unmet need in the Palisades area. We had no idea how many elderly, retired individuals on fixed incomes lived there—many of them in two mobile home parks that were completely destroyed. Hundreds of residents lost everything, and many were underinsured or had no insurance at all. This vulnerability wasn’t initially visible due to the lack of early assessments in the area. The neighborhood was on strict lockdown to prevent looting, and access was restricted to those with residential or contractor passes.
When we were invited by the Emergency Network of L.A. to support a multi-agency relief hub in Palisades, we were shocked by what we encountered. Residents urgently needed basic medical supplies, including blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, test strips, and medication refills they had gone without for weeks. Another significant but overlooked issue was prescription eyewear. During evacuation, many forgot or lost their glasses in the rush. Thanks to our mobile optical clinic, we were able to fill 80 prescriptions in under 20 minutes, and people walked away with new glasses, something they had no way of replacing quickly on their own.
One of the ongoing gaps is in rapid deployment infrastructure. We’re currently working with Direct Relief to acquire disaster-equipped sprinter vans that can serve as mobile triage units and provide immediate emergency care. Additionally, we are building a disaster mobile response network for L.A. County and surrounding regions— teams prepared to mobilize quickly with medical, dental, optical, and mental health services the moment a disaster strikes.
Direct Relief: Is there anything your patients or community have done that’s surprised or inspired you during this time?
Dr. Lo: Absolutely. What’s stood out most, especially in the Palisades, is the profound sense of community and compassion. One woman came to us and said, “I have an appointment, but my neighbor is disabled and her glasses broke—she can’t see. I’m worried about her. Can she take my place instead?” That kind of selflessness, in the midst of such personal loss, was incredibly humbling.
After responding to so many disasters over the years, I’m still struck by how people rise to meet each other’s needs. We saw neighbors offering their homes, food, water, clothing—literally emptying their closets to help those who had lost everything. It’s a powerful reminder that in the worst of times, the best of humanity often shows up.
We feel incredibly grateful to be able to offer our healing services free of charge through our nonprofit. And we’re equally grateful for the people who make this work possible. Our greatest asset at MMA is our volunteers— over 600 individuals who have stepped up, wanting to serve. That generosity of spirit continues to inspire us every day.
Arroyo Vista Family Health Center
Arroyo Vista Family Health Center is a northeast L.A.-based non-profit network of community health centers and a mobile clinic licensed by the California Department of Health Services and accredited by the Joint Commission.
Arroyo Vista Family Health Center’s answers were prepared by Mary Martinez, nursing supervisor, and Dr. Thuy Pham, chief medical officer
Direct Relief: What are you seeing most commonly in your patients in the aftermath of the wildfires physically, emotionally, or otherwise?
M.M. & T.P.: We have experienced patients concerned with some health issues such as respiratory and anxiety, as well as issues with housing instability and financial stress.
Direct Relief: Are there any resources you or your patients urgently need but aren’t getting?
M.M. & T.P.: Arroyo Vista can benefit from staff training in mental health aid to address PTSD, anxiety, and help engage in other emotional support assistance as those affected work to rebuild their lives.
Smoke rises from the Palisades Fire in Southern California on Jan. 7, 2025. (Photo courtesy of ALERTCalifornia, UC San Diego)
Direct Relief: Is there anything your patients or community have done that’s surprised or inspired you during this time?
M.M. & T.P: The demonstration of unwavering support and coming together as a community family, I believe, is inspiring.
Universal community health center
Universal Community Health Center is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center network based in South Los Angeles serving patients at clinics and local schools.
Direct Relief: What are you seeing most commonly in your patients in the immediate aftermath of the wildfires, physically, emotionally, or otherwise?
Dr. Edgar A. Chavez, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Universal Community Health Center: We’re seeing a lot of respiratory symptoms [in the weeks following the fire]. The poor air quality triggered coughing, itchy eyes, sore throats, and breathing issues for many of our patients and staff. It made the clinic environment tougher to work in, and some patients were too worried to come in at all. As a result, we saw missed appointments for things like diabetes and blood pressure follow-ups, which can really set people back.
With support from Direct Relief, we were able to secure air purifiers and protective equipment for staff and patients. However, many in our community still lack access to clean air at home and need more education and resources to stay safe. These events reminded us of the deep challenges our community faces and the strength they show in facing them.
On the emotional side, it’s been heavy. A lot of our patients work in jobs connected to the areas that burned. When homes and businesses were lost, so were paychecks. We saw more anxiety, depression, and families showing up at our food pantry just trying to get by. The stress is real, especially for those already struggling to make ends meet.
A food distribution event hosted by Universal Community Health Center. The health center has hosted monthly events since the wildfires in response to the needs of the community. (Photo Courtesy of UCHC.)
Direct Relief: Are there any resources you or your patients urgently need but aren’t getting?
Dr. Chavez: Definitely. We could really use more air purifiers and masks, not just for the clinics but for our patients’ homes too. Many don’t have air conditioning or good ventilation. When the smoke hits, they have nowhere to go.
We also need better access to education and communication tools. People want to protect themselves, but they need clear, accessible guidance. It’s not just about handing out equipment. It’s about making sure people know when and how to use it.
Mental health resources are also a major unmet need. Many patients have experienced increased anxiety and depression, especially those who lost jobs or income due to the fires. We need more access to culturally appropriate mental health services and trained professionals who can support our community.
Basic needs like food, hygiene products, and household supplies are another concern. Our food pantry saw a big increase in demand, with many families needing help after the breadwinner lost work or hours. We need continued help keeping up with that demand.
Altadena Mountain Rescue Team volunteers drive through burning neighborhoods amid thick smoke to evacuate residents endangered by the Eaton Fire. (Courtesy photo)
Direct Relief: Is there anything your patients or community have done that’s surprised or inspired you during this time?
Dr. Chavez: Absolutely. Their kindness and solidarity have been incredible. I saw people picking up food not just for themselves but for neighbors who couldn’t make it out. Others brought extra masks to share or checked in on elderly family members and friends.
In a time when everyone could have just focused on their own problems, our community chose to take care of each other. That spirit of looking out for one another is what inspires us every day at UCHC. It reminds us why we do this work.
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