WellPoint Provides Support and Resources to Most Vulnerable California...(ng medical problems (asthma diabetes ...),Health

congestive heart failure, etc.) and providing assistance with replacing

or refilling lost or damaged prescriptions, replacing health plan

cards, and providing information and referral to additional supports as

needed;

-- Working with physicians and other medical providers in areas affected

by fires to assist with member needs; and,

-- Partnering with the American Red Cross and other groups to help

communicate with members who are unreachable by phone due to property

damage or evacuation.

Community Resource Center representatives in Los Angeles and San Diego are also reaching out to physicians' offices in the affected areas to offer assistance and resources and to provide information to help physicians continue their clinical practices at this critical time.

The American Lung Association recommends all residents, but especially seniors and those with respiratory and other chronic conditions, take the following precautions:

-- Use appropriate protective breathing masks when outdoors until air

quality improves. The American Lung Association recommends masks with a

rating of N95 to provide protection against smaller particles. CRC

representatives can provide information on where protective breathing

masks are available in local communities.

-- Obtain a flu shot as soon as possible. The stress of the disaster,

evacuation, proximity to strangers, lack of sleep and general life

disruption, especially right at the beginning of flu season, can

increase the susceptibility to flu.

-- Run the air conditioner on the "recirculation" setting and/or use your

indoor air filter system.

CRC representatives are available to provide information and referrals on a daily basis for members who walk in or call. In Los Angeles the CRC can be reached at (866) 465-2272 and in
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