In light of the California Wildfires, we join the nation in sadness for the loss of life and concern about the devastating impact on communities, families and individuals.
As a community-based organization, we understand the power of coming together to support those affected, which include our own employees, volunteers and supporters, as well as blood cancer survivors who need us more than ever.
LLS is always here to support patients, including those impacted in California.
We are determined to provide critical support directly to blood cancer patients and their families, including to help them navigate their treatment during this time by sharing relevant resources, information and support.
Our Information Specialists, a group of highly trained oncology social workers and nurses, are available to provide one-on-one assistance through blood cancer treatment, financial and social challenges, and to give accurate up-to-date disease treatment and support information.
CLICK TO CONTACT AN LLS INFORMATION SPECIALIST
We hope these resources will be valuable for you:
California Emergency Resource Guide
The California Emergency Resource Guide helps people plan for potential evacuations and provides resources for those affected. Some resources are of particular interest to blood cancer patients and others who take medications or require ongoing treatments.
Prescription Drug Guide
View the state’s Prescription Drug Guide, which is also available in Spanish. If you were unable to evacuate with your medications, a pharmacy should be able to assist you in obtaining your medication.
To find an open pharmacy
To find an open pharmacy during an active emergency, visit the RxOpen website, which has maps that include open and closed pharmacies.
Housing assistance
Red Cross: Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app, or by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS).
AirBnb and 211LA: AirBnb is working with 211 LA to offer free, temporary housing to residents who have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate by the wildfires.
FEMA disaster assistance
Apply for or learn more about FEMA (federal) disaster assistance. You can also check with your local emergency management officials or call the FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362).
Mental Health Services
Crisis Counseling
The Disaster Distress Hotline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster or emergency.
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (shelter, pet assistance and much more)
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN) has a regularly updated Google sheet of resources that at the time of this writing includes shelter, food, free personal protective equipment (PPE), help with pets and animal boarding, WIFI/charging stations, and more.
MALAN also provides information about ways to volunteer and donate to help the community.
Free storage space
UHaul is offering 30 days of free storage space at 92 centers. UHaul website includes locations of centers providing free storage for individuals who are displaced
Recovery Resource Guide from local district
The office of U.S. congresswoman Laura Friedman, whose district includes affected areas, provides a wildfire-and-windstorm-recovery-resource-guide that includes FEMA resources, help for people who have lost important documents, advice about insurance claims, and more