Following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles that have resulted in the loss of personal possessions for tens of thousands of individuals, including essential medication for some, efforts are underway to assist evacuees in dealing with the situation.
At disaster recovery centers, evacuees will receive support in replacing lost prescription medication. Public Health Chief Deputy Director, Dr. Anish Mahajan, announced that medical personnel will be stationed at each site to provide assistance.
The medical team, consisting of four to five nurses and one physician at each location, will help evacuees in contacting their doctors or pharmacists to obtain a new supply of their medications. In cases where refills are unavailable or individuals face challenges in connecting with their usual sources of care, the nurses will liaise with physicians and pharmacists through the Department of Public Health telehealth service to provide new prescriptions.
Dr. Mahajan emphasized the importance of ensuring that families have access to their essential medications during this challenging time. The goal is to bridge the gap until evacuees can reconnect with their regular healthcare providers.
This initiative aims to alleviate some of the burdens faced by those affected by the wildfires, offering practical support in a time of crisis. By providing on-site medical assistance and facilitating the replacement of lost medications, the Public Health Department is working to address the immediate healthcare needs of evacuees.
