Critical medications are reaching those impacted by Los Angeles-area fires, including to those seeking care at a walk-in clinic operating out of a Pasadena church parking lot.

That’s where Direct Relief pharmacy staff delivered requested prescription medications, including insulin, antibiotics, and inhalers. On hand was Dr. Evelyn Lo, medical director of Medical Mission Adventures, a mobile medical clinic registered as a first responder with FEMA in the State of California and County of Los Angeles in the event of a natural disaster, including the recent wildfires.

Dr. Lo said the clinic’s location was critical to meeting patients in need.

“A lot of people live literally across the street in the burn zone,” she said, adding that the patients seeking care were already underresourced, before the fires.

Now, with an area clinic that was a main source for healthcare destroyed in the fire, needs are even higher. Included in deliveries last week were inhalers, nebulizers, and other supplies for respiratory health, a critical issue resulting from poor air quality due to smoke and ash from the fires.

“Whether they have asthma or they don’t, they are coming in with respiratory illnesses,” she said.

Patients also arrived at the medical outpost with acute injuries from rapid evacuation, including abrasions and orthopedic injuries, as well as needing therapies like insulin to manage diabetes.

Direct Relief staff also delivered P100 masks and protective equipment for people reentering burn zones. These items were provided for medical staff conducting house-to-house medical care in the area.

Direct Relief has been providing medications to health providers caring for those impacted by the fires, including evacuees at the Pasadena Convention Center. More shipments of medical aid will depart this week for health facilities providing ongoing care.