The Southern California wildfires have forced over 100,000 evacuations and consumed over 40,000 acres and counting. Los Angeles County, one of the hardest hit areas, is home to nearly 33,000 licensed physicians—about a quarter of the state’s total. Among them, approximately 270 physicians live within the fire perimeter, many of whom have lost their homes. Yet, despite national emergencies and evacuation orders, hospitals and health systems remain open 24/7 providing vital services and access to care to those who need it most.
In the wake of this tragedy, many hospitals and health systems in the area, including Prime Healthcare San Dimas Community Hospital and Cedars-Sinai, remained open, providing care to their communities throughout this evolving emergency. In preparation for an uptick in patients seeking care for respiratory issues due to poor air quality, Cedars-Sinai’s pulmonologists even expanded their clinic schedules to meet the growing need for specialized care.
“We want to ensure that our patients have access to care when they most need it,” said Dr. Isabel Pedraza, director of the medical intensive care unit.
Hospitals and health systems like Cedars-Sinai are doing more than just responding to emergencies—they are the first line of defense in times of crisis. They are not only caring for those who are sick, but also helping their communities navigate through hardship. In the face of disaster, hospitals demonstrate resiliency and commitment, proving time and again to be there when we need them- all day, every day.