Friday, Jan 10, 2025

Dear HDS Community,

Our thoughts are with all of you as Los Angeles County and our beloved cities face the devastating impact of the ongoing fires. We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe during this difficult time. As your local dental society, we recognize that the available resources across Los Angeles may not always align with the unique needs of dental professionals. That’s why we’re stepping in to help bridge the gap.

As we continue our efforts and provide meaningful support and resources, please review the below resources to assist with the recovery and rebuilding phases. As more resources and relief efforts are setup, we will be adding them to this page.

Please contact the HDS office 562.595.6303 if you have any questions. 

Be Well and Stay Safe,
Amir 

Dr. Amir Kazim, DDS, FACD, FICD, FPFA
2025 Harbor Dental Society President

Resources for SoCal Fire Recovery, Wellness and Relief Help:

Disaster response resources

• Practice Interruption Guidelines may be applicable for affected dentists. And if a staff member has to be out of the office to address personal matters and needs to bring in a locum tenens, this leave of absence information can be helpful to minimize disruptions for patient care and reimbursement from dental plans. Guidance on managing emergency patients when your office is closed is also available.
• Disaster-Related Services FAQ from EDD provide answers to common employment questions.
• Partial Unemployment Wage Claim benefits may be available to eligible employees whose hours and pay have been cut. This EDD resource is for employers who may not be able to schedule their teams for some time but don’t want to end their employment. The Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program provides benefits for those who are self-employed as well.
• TDIC’s Wildfire Resources include guidance on handling patient care, practice closures, temporary locations and staff and patient safety.
• The Dentists Insurance Company’s experts offer guidance navigating insurance concerns, even if you’re not a current policyholder. Call (800) 733-0633 to speak to a representative or risk management analyst. If you are a policyholder who has been impacted by wildfires, contact TDIC directly to file a claim.
• The CDA Foundation’s Wellness Program is a no-cost, confidential source of support for dental professionals who are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression related to these events or other challenges. The Foundation is also creating a disaster relief fund and more information will be coming early next week on how to easily donate to support your colleagues.

• Wellness resources

• ADA Wellness Resources and Well-Being Index (for ADA members)
• Local NAMI Chapters and NAMI Workplace Mental Health Toolkit
• Local contact information for County Mental Health Plans
• CHCF Provider Burnout Webinar and Healing the Healers Publication 
• National Hotlines for mental health and substance abuse support

Housing and Shelter Information

The local Long Beach hotels with available space and offering discounts to fire victims and evacuees.

• The Queen Mary
• Habitat for Humanity teams are actively preparing their response to the surrounding wildfires. If you wish to donate, you may do so here. 
• Long Beach YMCA is providing free childcare, converting centers into temporary evacuation sites, offering shelter, showers, and basic amenities. To support their efforts, donate here. 
• Red Cross is offering a safe place to stay for anyone in need of help. Donate to bring hope and help to families in need or volunteer at a local center. 

For Animals and Pets

• Downey Animal Care Center, 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey (small animals)
• spcaLA is also taking in animals affected by the fires, 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles
• Vetster is offering free telehealth appointments to pets affected by the fire — for up to 500 pets through Jan. 23
• Pasadena Humane Society has recently taken in over 300 animals due to evacuations, many with burns and other injuries. Donate here to help provide further emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires. 
• Canine Rescue Club is currently looking for volunteers to offer temporary foster care for dogs displaced by the fires. You can apply online to temporarily house an affected dog or donate towards their efforts here. 

Mental health

• If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit the 988 website for online chat.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a Disaster Distress Helpline for disaster victims experiencing anxiety, stress, or other emotional distress. Callers can talk with a trained counselor 24/7 in multiple languages, (800) 985-5990

Telecommunications / Transportation

• AT&T is offering people in fire-affected areas unlimited talk, text and data through Feb. 6 (if you don’t already have an unlimited plan). Check their website for a list of included ZIP codes
• T-mobile is also offering unlimited talk, text and data to customers in cities affected by the fires through Feb. 15.
• Evacuees can redeem a free Uber ride up to $40 by applying the promo code “WILDFIRE25” in the wallet section of their Uber app before requesting a ride to a designated shelter location.
• Evacuated residents who need a ride to a shelter can use the code “CAFIRERELIEF25” for a free Lyft ride worth up to $25. Each user can use the code for two rides maximum.

Food and Basic Necessities

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with regional government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based partners to respond to fires throughout Los Angeles. Monetary donations go a long way in times of crisis, but you can also drop food off at these locations. 
• The Salvation Army is onsite at five evacuation shelters to offer meals, hot coffee, and support. To help support their efforts, donate here. 
• Baby2Baby is providing critical items such as diapers, food, formula, and hygiene products for the children and families that have lost their homes. Donate to their disaster relief and emergency response funds to help their life saving programs continue. 
• Los Angeles LGBT Center continues to offer essential services for all community members. Support them here to ensure LGBT people continue to thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society. 
• World Central Kitchen's Relief Team is deployed in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted. Help support WCK provide meals impacted by disasters quickly and effectively by donating today. 

Financial Relief Donations

• Restaurants Care is currently helping the thousands of food and beverage workers that have been impacted by the fires with grants. Donating today will help provide direct relief to those unable to work due to evacuation or loss of employment. 
• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides vital equipment and funds critical to helping the LAFD save lives and protect communities. Your donation can go to any of the 106 stations across Los Angeles County. 
• Wildfire Relief Fund was created to provide direct relief to those in need after a wildfire. A tax-deductible donation will ensure this fund can support as many people and small businesses as possible.
• California Community Foundation has already raised over $1.3 million to supply discretionary grants to those impacted by the disaster. Contributing today represents a legacy dedicated to a healthier, more prosperous Los Angeles.