Blue Shield of California Issues Statement Regarding California Wildfires

Stock.adobe.com

Blue Shield of California issued a statement regarding the devastating wildfires that have spread across large sections of the state.¹ While the combination of flames and winds continue to cause massive amounts of damage across the drought-stricken state, it’s already clear that anyone living in the impacted areas is likely to face serious challenges in the coming days. Aside from the physical damage that the fire is causing, the smoke is also making the air dangerous to breathe in some areas.

In its statement, Blue Shield of California president and CEO Lois Quam said, “As a California company, we are focused today on our members, employees, and health systems in Southern California. Our priority is to ensure that members have access to the essential health services and resources they need during this difficult time. This developing situation underscores the importance of our work together to secure healthcare access in the face of crises."

In the same press release, Blue Shield of California chief medical officer Dr. Ravi Kavasery, MD, said, “People, first and foremost, need to heed all evacuation orders and leave immediately if asked to do so. If you are able to stay in your homes, there are ways to avoid being affected by the dangerous, smoky air, including keeping windows and doors closed, running an air purifier if you have one, and wearing an N95 mask if venturing outdoors."

As previously stated, the damage caused directly by the flames is only part of the devastation. Both residents living in areas directly impacted by the flames and those living in nearby areas will have to deal with poor air quality. According to a report from USA Today,² experts are unsure of when the air quality in the area will return to safe levels.

According to that same report, the smoke from the wildfires is considered toxic. As the flames burn various materials, tiny particles are released into the air and are spread amongst the smoke from the flames. Anyone breathing in smokey air risks inhaling these particles and absorbing them into their lungs or bloodstream. This can lead to an increased risk of serious medical conditions, such as cancer.

Children, elderly residents, and pregnant women are considered to face the highest risk from the smokey air.

Experts won’t know how long to expert the air quality to remain dangerous until the fires themselves are able to be fully contained.

In brighter news for Blue Shield of California, the non-profit recently announced that Lois Quam would serve as the woman CEO in the organization’s history.³ “I look forward to working with Californians and families across our state, along with physicians, hospitals, health systems, business leaders, and state officials to make California a model for health care," Quam said in a press release.

She continued, “I am focused on the challenges facing our members in every corner of our state who gather at their kitchen tables and wrestle with their health care decisions and whether they can afford them. As the only statewide nonprofit health plan, we can help make those conversations–and their lives–better.”

Sources

1. Blue Shield of California Offers Assistance to Members Affected by Southern California Fires. Blue Shield of California. January 9, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blue-shield-of-california-offers-assistance-to-members-affected-by-southern-california-fires-302347590.html
2. Cuevas, Eduardo. Southern California Fire Weather Expected to Linger. What Does that Mean for Air Quality? USA Today. January 9, 2025. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/01/09/california-fires-weather-pollution-air-quality/77582623007/
3. Lois Quam Named CEO of Blue Shield of California, First Woman CEO in Organization's 86-Year History. Blue Shield of California. January 8, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lois-quam-named-ceo-of-blue-shield-of-california-first-woman-ceo-in-organizations-86-year-history-302345624.html