LOS ANGELES – Jan. 9, 2025 – This week, some of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County history have claimed lives and destroyed homes, landmarks, and businesses.
Community health centers and the communities they serve have been impacted. One health center was completely destroyed, some were damaged, and many had to close or alter their operations due to evacuations, staffing and air quality concerns.
The safety and health of staff and patients is paramount. Health centers have expanded telehealth services to maintain services for patients served by sites that have closed. Facilities that remain open are supporting their staff and communities by providing masks and connecting people with resources, as well as providing medical services at evacuation sites.
The Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County team is deeply saddened by the losses and we know the road ahead for our communities will be challenging. Health centers are resilient and have weathered many crises, from earthquakes, floods and fires to global pandemics.
CCALAC is here to support our health centers, coordinating with partners at the local, state and national levels to ensure health centers have the resources they need to serve their communities. We are grateful for our partners who are reaching out with offers of aid and support. We are committed to supporting health centers through this crisis and beyond, as we rebuild and continue to advance health care access for all.
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About the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County
Founded in 1994, the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) is the largest regional association of community health centers in California. Health centers in Los Angeles serve more than 1.97 million patients at over 450 sites across the county. The majority of these patients (72%) have low incomes, and 92% are covered by public insurance or uninsured. CCALAC is dedicated to helping health centers remain at the forefront of health care transformation, in support of the patients and communities they serve. For more information about CCALAC, visit www.ccalac.org or call (213) 201-6500.
Contact: Taryn Burks – Communications Manager, media@ccalac.org | (213) 201-6529.