Resources for People with a Serious Illness Affected by the California Wildfires
Our hearts are with everyone in Los Angeles who has been affected by the devastating wildfires.
If you or a loved one are living with a serious illness like cancer, COPD, or kidney disease, the wildfires may have made life even more challenging. Whether you have been forced to evacuate your home, have experienced loss, or are experiencing changes in daily routines and medical care, this blog includes resources to help you cope.
Resources (Local, Federal, and Non-Profit) for People with Serious Illness
Below is a selection of resources we found that can help people living with a serious illness affected by the wildfires.
- American Cancer Society and Patient Advocate Foundation – These organizations are working together to help people living with cancer—in active treatment or scheduled to start treatment in the next 60 days—with transportation, food, housing, utilities, or any health-related social need that’s directly impacting the continuation of care. They have started the Patient Advocate Foundation Cancer Care Continuity Fund, which offers one-time grants of up to $500 for applicants in zip codes in the LA County area (which have been identified by FEMA and received a disaster declaration). Apply today by calling 1-877-981-7848.
- American Cancer Society (ACS) – Los Angeles Chapter – In addition to the Patient Advocate Foundation Cancer Care Continuity Fund grant this organization is providing (see bullet above), ACS has programs and services to help manage cancer treatment and recovery, including transportation, lodging, and more.
- cuidado del cáncer – This organization offers a patient assistance program for both emotional and financial support, for people living with cancer who have been impacted by the fires. Learn more about the California Wildfires Patient Assistant Program by visiting the website or calling 800-813-4673 (Monday-Thursday, 10 am-6pm ET, and Friday, 10 am-5 pm ET).
- LA County Recovers – An LA County government website that compiles local, state, federal, and non-profit resources, all in one location, so you can get the help you need without searching on your own. On their website, you can also sign up for email notifications so you are aware when new resources are added.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) – The LADPH often coordinates with other local organizations to provide emergency services, including health care access during fires. They can help direct you to facilities that may be able to offer treatment or other necessities. Visit their website or call the Public Health InfoLine at 833-540-0473 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm PST).
- Red Cross Los Angeles Region – The American Red Cross regularly provides emergency shelters, food, and basic necessities during natural disasters. They also offer assistance with medical needs and support for people with serious illnesses. Visit their website or call 800-733-2767 for more information.
- Project Angel Food – This organization provides free meals to people with serious illness in Los Angeles. If you or a loved one living with a serious illness cannot independently access healthy food (e.g., cannot physically go to a store), apply for their home-delivered meal program.
- Runway for Recovery – This organization opened an emergency Family Grant Program for families in LA and Orange County impacted by the wildfires and have a parent/guardian diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer or have experienced the loss of a parent to the disease. They are providing funding for clothing and household supplies, groceries, and utility (cell phone) payments.
- We Got This Org – An organization supporting all cancer patients and survivors in the LA area impacted by the ongoing fires. Whether continuing critical treatments such as medications, scans, infusions, or managing symptoms during evacuation orders, this organization is helping the cancer community maintain their care plans and stay safe. They have collected physical items and monetary donations for people in need. Reach out to [email protected] if you or your loved one meets the criteria.
Acerca de GetPalliativeCare.org
ObtengaCuidadosPaliativos.org es un recurso en línea para pacientes y familias que se enfoca en brindar información sobre cuidados paliativos desde el punto de diagnóstico. En GetPalliativeCare.org, puede tomar una cuestionario corto para ver si podría beneficiarse de los cuidados paliativos y encontrar un proveedor cercano. El sitio es proporcionado por el Centro para Avances en Cuidados Paliativos.
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