In response to the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires earlier this month, the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) is stepping up to provide critical support to local physicians and healthcare professionals. The organization will host a Fire Recovery and Resource Fair on Sunday, February 23, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Collins & Katz Family YMCA, located at 1466 S Westgate Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025. A second fair will be held for Eaton fire victims in March at the YMCA South Pasadena location. This event, designed to aid those who have been displaced or severely impacted by the fires, will feature experts offering guidance on legal matters, financial planning, construction, and other vital services. Physicians and their staff are encouraged to attend to gain direct access to assistance tailored to their needs. Food, parking, and childcare will be provided at the event at no charge, however RSVPs are required.
Sunday, February 23 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Collins & Katz YMCA | 1466 S Westgate Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Food, Parking and Childcare will be provided
As part of its recovery efforts, LACMA has also made its Physician Toolkit publicly available. This digital platform provides real-time updates, essential resources, and expert advice for healthcare professionals navigating post-disaster recovery. The toolkit was launched just hours after the fires began and remains a cornerstone of LACMA’s efforts to provide timely and comprehensive support to the healthcare community.
Sheri Carr, LACMA’s Vice President of Communications, highlighted the value of this resource. “The Physician Toolkit is continuously updated ensuring that physicians and their staff have immediate access to the latest resources for assistance, financial aid, and patient guidance,” she said.
LACMA has mobilized a coalition of more than 20 organizations to provide relief to those affected by the fires. Key partners include L.A. Care Health Plan, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, AltaMed Health Services, Clinica Romero, Wesley Health Centers, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, and many more. In collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, these groups have joined forces to ensure a coordinated and effective recovery effort.
“Our medical community has been the backbone of Los Angeles, providing care and resilience through countless challenges. Now, as many of our physicians and healthcare professionals face the devastation of the recent fires, it’s our responsibility to stand with them."
Gustavo Friederichsen, LACMA’s CEO, stressed the importance of supporting healthcare professionals during this crisis. “Our medical community has been the backbone of Los Angeles, providing care and resilience through countless challenges. Now, as many of our physicians and healthcare professionals face the devastation of the recent fires, it’s our responsibility to stand with them. Through initiatives like the Fire Recovery Resource Fair and the Physician Toolkit, LACMA is delivering critical, timely support. We’ve mobilized a coalition of over 20 organizations to ensure those impacted have access to the legal, financial, and recovery resources they need to rebuild their lives and practices. Together, we are committed to empowering and protecting the people who care for our community every day.”
Experts and Organizations Participating in the Fire Recovery Resource Fair
The Fire Recovery Resource Fair will host a wide range of experts and organizations to provide attendees with guidance and support in various areas of recovery. Confirmed and invited participants include:
Federal and State Agencies
• FEMA
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• California Department of Insurance (DOI) – Invited
• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) – Invited
Industry and Professional Organizations
• American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles (AIA-LA) – Invited
• Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC)
• Los Angeles Business Assistance (LABA)
Legal and Financial Experts
• James Goldstein, Esq. (Legal Support)
• Thakur Law (Legal Support)
• Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP)
• CPAs, Finance Experts & Loan Specialists – Invited
Specialized Support
• Home Showcase Consultants
• United Policyholders (UpHelp)
These experts will be on hand to provide personalized advice and resources on topics such as rebuilding, insurance claims, financial aid, risk management, and legal assistance.
How to Access Support
Physicians and healthcare professionals affected by the fires can take advantage of both the toolkit and the upcoming resource fairs. To register for the Fire Recovery and Resource Fair, visit www.ladocs.org. Through events like the resource fair and ongoing digital support, LACMA reaffirms its commitment to protecting and empowering the healthcare professionals who serve Los Angeles during its most challenging times.
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