The wildfire situation in California, especially Northern California, remains perilous. We have confirmed that 39 of our caregivers in Napa and Sonoma counties have lost their homes. Many more have been evacuated, and it’s possible that total home loss for our caregivers could swell to 200. Meanwhile, in Southern California, we have had numerous evacuations in Anaheim, where many of our caregivers have been forced to leave their homes.
Our hearts are heavy knowing that our own people are in a vulnerable situation with nowhere to go and without basic necessities, such as clothing, food and shelter. Some have lost everything they own.
Two ways you can help immediately
At Providence St. Joseph Health, we are a family, and as such, are committed to helping one another. As a system, we are making an initial donation to provide emergency funds for impacted caregivers. Many of you have asked how you can help, so I want to share two ways you can support this effort.
1.) Caregivers and community members can make cash donations to one of our Emergency Caregiver Assistance Funds in California. Choose “Disaster Relief” from the drop down menu.
2.) Caregivers can also donate unused PTO. To donate PTO, legacy Providence caregivers may call (888) 687-3753, select option 3 and then option 6. Legacy SJH caregivers may call (855) 200-6947, and select option 2.
How we will support impacted caregivers
For caregivers in California displaced due to mandatory evacuation and/or loss of their primary residence, we will provide access to:
- Assistance with temporary accommodations.
- Funds for basic necessities, such as food and clothing.
- Funds for caregivers who have lost their primary home due to the fires.
Watching the news and seeing our communities in flames has been heart-wrenching. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to ask how you can help. Your generosity will make it possible for us to do everything we can to support our colleagues in a time of desperate need.
I also want to thank our caregivers in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa Valley and Orange County. You have been working around the clock, keeping our operations open, accepting patients from other hospitals that have been forced to close, and continuing to serve as a pillar and resource for those in need. Please know we are with you, and praying and thinking of you constantly.
