California Expands Support for Those Impacted by Southern California Wildfires

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is expanding ways in which Californians can receive help and support as Southern California continues to battle wildfires and begins the recovery process. As part of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclaimed State of Emergency and Executive Order, the CDPH’s efforts span the department’s many public health programs and include actions such as issuing widespread approval for expanded response, eliminating or limiting fees and processes, and expanding areas of coverage.

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

“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 Dr. Tomás Aragón, CDPH director and state public health officer. “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, 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 healthcare 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.

CDPH also 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.

CDPH staff are on the ground in affected areas, working together with local, state, and federal partners to assess and mitigate the risks posed by the aftermath of a fire. Their work includes supporting coordinated guidance on soil, air, water quality, and the safe handling of debris.

Additionally, CDPH continues to coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts:

• CDPH has provided resource requests for personal protective equipment (PPE) 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.
• CDPH shares mental health resources for people affected by the wildfires through CalHOPE Emotional Support Services and CalHOPE Mental Health Support for Youth & Families.