As destructive wildfires continue to impact numerous communities throughout southern California, the WOCN® Society expresses our heartfelt concern and unwavering support for all those affected. Our thoughts are with you and your loved ones, and we hope for your safety during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know is facing the direct effects of the wildfires, or you would like to provide direct aid, please refer to the information below for some guidance.
For Immediate Assistance
- If you or someone you know needs shelter or emergency assistance, please contact your local American Red Cross.
- For connecting with family and friends, we encourage you to visit the American Red Cross Contact Loved Ones site or use Facebook’s Crisis Response.
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care Resources
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the wildfires and is in need of wound, ostomy, and continence supplies or services, please direct them to the following links:
- WOCN Patient Resources
- Friends of Ostomates Worldwide-USA (FOW)
- United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA)
How You Can Help
If you are in a position to help, we have compiled a list of organizations which are actively providing disaster relief and support to affected communities.
- American Red Cross: Provides emergency assistance, including shelter and food.
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Provides support to animal shelter and rescue efforts to protect vulnerable animals affected by hurricanes and other disasters.
- California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: This fund supports both immediate and long-term recovery efforts for wildfire victims.
- California Fire Foundation: They offer financial assistance and emotional support to firefighters and families of fallen firefighters, as well as funding for fire safety education.
- Direct Relief: Supports healthcare providers in affected areas with medical supplies and transportation.
- GlobalGiving’s California Wildfire Relief Fund: This fund helps local organizations provide food, water, and shelter to affected families.
- International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW): Provides emergency grants to support animal shelters and evacuees with pets, aiding recovery efforts for both animals and people.
- National Nurses United and RN Response Network (RNRN): Both projects of the California Nurses Foundation, they work to send nurses to disaster-stricken areas both inside the U.S. and internationally.
- The Salvation Army: They offer food, shelter, and other emergency services to disaster victims.
- United Way of Greater Los Angeles: They assist with both immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts, including housing and basic necessities.
- World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to those impacted by disaster.
Before donating to additional organizations or relief funds, it’s always a good idea to verify the legitimacy of the organization and ensure that your contribution will be used effectively. Sites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar can help assess the credibility of nonprofit organizations.