The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) has donated $5,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with wildfire disaster relief efforts in the greater Los Angeles area.
While the fire is easing, 10 people have died and more than 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed with roughly 150,000 people remaining under mandatory evacuation orders, the Los Angeles Times reported today.
ASRT currently has nearly 2,500 members who live and work in the greater Los Angeles area. The Red Cross has mobilized relief supplies and disaster workers and is coordinating to support people in need, according to ASRT.
Many healthcare facilities have remained open. However, Kaiser Permanente announced it had closed some of its facilities. UCLA Health also reported clinic interruptions. Cedars-Sinai reported on January 8 that some of its medical network outpatient offices and surgery centers in evacuation areas were closed, including locations in Santa Monica, Brentwood/West Los Angeles, and Pasadena. Additional outpatient offices outside of evacuation areas have also been affected by power outages.
“We need to remember that medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in Los Angeles continue to provide care for individuals affected by this horrible tragedy, and they also have to manage their own lives as area residents,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa Pergola in the announcement. “As a result, we want to provide as much support as possible for our members, their families, and the community.”