Support and Resources for DoM Community
Updated 1/13/2025
Dear Colleagues:
We understand that many in the DoM are facing difficult circumstances due to the fires affecting the Los Angeles area. Our hearts are with those impacted. Each day, we are actively working to secure new support and resources to help colleagues who have been impacted by the fires.
If you have not been able to return home due to evacuation orders, have lost your home, or need immediate supplies, please let us know so that we can connect you to support as soon as it is available.
The impact of the wildfires will be different for each person. Whether the hardship is large or small, we encourage you to share your situation with us. Your response is kept confidential and will only be used to connect you to essential support services.
MANDATORY EVACUATION:
If you are experiencing mandatory evacuations, please kindly fill out the form below. The DoM is working alongside UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine to mobilize as many resources as possible to support our community.
MEDIUM TERM HOUSING REQUESTS
If any DoM community members require medium term housing (2+ months), please fill out the below so that we can ensure you are connected to all the DoM, DGSOM, and UCLA Health resources.
MEDIUM TERM HOUSING OFFERS
If any DoM community members can provide housing or rent out space for 2+ months (e.g. if you will be not be using a unit or by offering an extra room or Accessory Dwelling Unit [ADU]), please complete the form below. We will be coordinating directly with DGSOM, who is overseeing efforts across departments.
DONATIONS
While we navigate this crisis, we find hope and inspiration in how our community is organizing to help our colleagues. Faculty and staff have reached out inquiring how they can make donations that will go to those in our DoM community who have been directly impacted by the wildfires. Please contact us at DoMWellness@mednet.ucla.edu and we will share those opportunities with you.
OTHER RESOURCES
The resources available continue to grow each day. You can access additional mental health support, housing assistance, essential supplies, and more by clicking on the links below.
STAY INFORMED
Get the latest operations updates from the UCLA Department of Medicine, UCLA Health, and UCLA campus.
We all feel a degree of helplessness during these uncertain times. We hope that you will continue to lean on those close to you, each other, and our DoM community as we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
Tisha Wang, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine
Senior Executive Clinical Vice Chair
UCLA Department of Medicine
Sun Mi Yoo, MD, MPH
Chief Wellness Officer, Department of Medicine
Section Chief, Extensivist and Palliative Care Services
UCLA Department of Medicine
Past Communications About Support and Resources
1/10: Childcare & Support, Temporary Housing
Dear Colleagues:
The events of the past week have left our community and greater Los Angeles deeply shaken. Many of us are experiencing overwhelming emotions and uncertainty as we assess the impact of the wildfires across Los Angeles County. During this difficult time, it is important to remember that you and your family are not alone.
You have our full support as we look to recover from this traumatic experience. It is critical to take time to care for ourselves and our loved ones, especially children who process traumatic events in unique ways. We understand that it may be challenging speaking with your children about the fires, or that you may have difficulty finding childcare due to school closures. The following resources have been gathered to support families during this crisis.
CHILDCARE RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY
The YMCA is offering free child care for children of first responders, essential workers and families who have been displaced, evacuated or who have otherwise experienced loss. Spaces are limited so please contact your local YMCA to inquire about availability. You can search for locations closest to you HERE. Children must be at least 4 years and 9 months old to attend a program.
Boys & Girls Clubs, ages and hours vary across the clubs so please reach out to the local clubs to confirm childcare availability. For additional club locations, please visit the following: https://www.bgca.org/get-involved/find-a-club/.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Pasadena (ages 4-18 years old)
3230 E Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone: (626) 449-1953
Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm for week of 1/10 (subject to change)
No membership needed, on arrival-register for a free daypass
As of 1/10, available next week and do not need to call ahead; subject to change based on demand/availability
Venice Boys & Girls Club
(ages 6-18 years old)
2232 Lincoln Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
Hours: subject to change, but if LAUSD is closed, then open 8am-6pm
Boys & Girls Clubs of Mar Vista Gardens
(ages 6-18 year old)
4901 Marionwood Dr, Culver City
Phone: (310) 397-8290
Per front desk, would need to sign up for membership
Hours: 9am-5pm
Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley
(children Kinder-12th Grade)
Phone: (818) 842-9333 x113
Main Club: 300 East Angeleno Avenue Burbank , CA 91502
Hours: 7:30am-6:00pm
Per front desk, may not be available next week; please call to check availability.
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley (ages 7+)
James T. Ventress Clubhouse
24909 Newhall Ave.
Newhall, Ca. 91321
(661) 254-CLUB, Open 7am-7pm
Front desk not sure on availability, will provide more information next week
Harbor Hills Boys & Girls Club
(middle school + high school)
1874 Palos Verdes Drive N.
Lomita, CA 90717
310-534-0056
Contact: Jacob, Site Director
For non-members that have been impacted by the fires:
If LAUSD is closed, then it will be open 8am-6pm (K-12)
If LAUSD is open, then only middle school and high school after-school starting 3pm
Boys & Girls Club West Valley
7245 Remmet Ave Canoga Park CA 91303
Phone: 818-610-1054
Please call to check availability.
Boys & Girls Club - Green/Torrance Club
(ages 6+)
967 Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA 90502
Ph: (310) 534-0056
1/10- 8am-6pm,
If LAUSD is closed next week, will continue to provide care. Once LAUSD opens, programming returns to after school hours
We are also working on exploring additional resources especially for children that don’t meet the age requirements above, and will continue to keep you updated on community resources. As a reminder, University of California employees have free membership to Sitterycity, a special website connecting families with in-home caregivers, so please register using this link: https://www.sittercity.com/bh-benefits/universityofcalifornia.
RESOURCES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN
Our DoM Community member Allison Guzman, a Child Life Specialist at UCLA Health, curated a list of resources that can help you support your children during these incredibly traumatic times. Our child life department is also actively working on additional resources and will share these when they are available.
In addition, here is a resource by Sesame Street on how you can offer comfort to your children.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
In addition to the hotel resources shared this WEEK, this is a reminder that our DoM community members have generously offered temporary housing options to host their department colleagues. If you are a DoM employee, and need temporary housing, please fill out the form below and we will try our best to connect you with available resources.
The UCLA housing services are readying a limited number of units in our faculty housing facilities in South Bay for employees who have lost their homes to the fires. Please reach out to UCLAHousing@housing.ucla.edu to learn more. You will need to send in this completed form.
If you are aware of resources or units available for temporary housing 1+ months, please reach out to us at DoMWellness@mednet.ucla.edu.
GROWING LIST OF RESOURCES
These resources join the growing list of resources collected from campus and the health system. You can access additional mental health resources, housing support, essential supplies, and other support by clicking on the links below.
A consolidated list of resources from UCLA Health System is available here: https://mednet.uclahealth.org/u-news/resources-for-evacuees/.
OPERATIONS UPDATES
Get the latest operation updates from UCLA Health, campus, and the UCLA Department of Medicine (DoM Connect).
While we look towards recovery, we hope that you will take a moment to rest, take care of yourself and your loved ones as we all take the next step forward.
Sincerely,
E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
Tisha Wang, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine
Senior Executive Clinical Vice Chair
UCLA Department of Medicine
Sun Mi Yoo, MD, MPH
Chief Wellness Officer, Department of Medicine
Section Chief, Extensivist and Palliative Care Services
UCLA Department of Medicine
01/09: Temporary Housing and Supplies
Dear Colleagues:
As multiple wildfires continue to devastate communities throughout Los Angeles County, we recognize the significant impact these events are having on members of our department. We know that some of our faculty, trainees and staff have been directly affected and have had to evacuate their homes amidst rapidly evolving fires.
Your well-being and safety is our most important priority and we continue to seek out information and resources to help in the recovery efforts. We are inspired by the acts of support seen throughout our department. Many of you have stepped forward to help colleagues during this difficult time, and we are grateful for your solidarity.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
In addition to the hotel resources shared yesterday, DoM community members have generously offered temporary housing options in their homes starting today for department colleagues. If you need temporary housing, please fill out the form below and we will try our best to connect you with available resources.
DISCOUNTED ACCOMMODATIONS: UC DISCOUNTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
The University of California system has extensive travel contracts that are available to all employees through the UCLA Travel website. The rates for hotels, cars, and flights are well-negotiated and leverage the purchasing power of the UC system. These rates are available for personal as well as business use. When using the system for personal travel, please be sure to indicate this during the booking process.
If you need to access these resources, please click HERE to learn how to navigate the travel website and make a booking.
SUPPLIES:
For any DoM community member in need of basic supplies, please feel free to stop by our pickup center located at.
200 UCLA Medical Plaza Suite 420 (4th floor)
Los Angeles CA 90095
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
The following items are currently available:
- Toiletries (soaps, body wash, toothbrushes, razors)
- Body lotions
- Bottled waters
- Kind breakfast bars
- Snacks including apples, bananas, popcorn, and chips
- Diapers and diaper wipes
- Honest Juices (kids)
- Portable power banks (limited)
You may also request supplies by filling out the supplies request form below.
For those who are currently staying at the Luskin Conference Center or the Guest House/Inn at UCLA:
Starting at 5pm today, you can stop by the front desk for bags with basic toiletries and snacks. Please mention that you are a part of the "DoM" or "Department of Medicine." We do not know the exact number of faculty and staff at these sites. If there are no additional bags left, please leave your name and room number with the front desk and we will bring more over this evening and tomorrow.
DONATIONS
If you would like to make a donation of supplies, please feel free to stop by our supplies center Monday - Friday, from 8am-5pm or email us at DoMWellness@mednet.ucla.edu to coordinate a drop off outside of those hours. We are working diligently to arrange additional donation sites and hours for our community members.
OPERATIONS UPDATES
We continue to closely monitor developments related to the fires in our service areas. The UCLA campus has curtailed operations. Our hospitals continue to operate without interruptions. However, additional community practices have closed due to new fire activity. Stay informed about the latest operation updates from UCLA Health News – Fire Update, campus updates by visiting UCLA Bruin Safe Online, and DoM-specific updates at DoM Connect.
We remain committed to supporting each other during this challenging time. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or have questions at DoMWellness@mednet.ucla.edu. We will continue to work together to provide help where it is needed most.
Sincerely,
E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
Tisha Wang, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine
Senior Executive Clinical Vice Chair
UCLA Department of Medicine
Sun Mi Yoo, MD, MPH
Chief Wellness Officer, Department of Medicine
Section Chief, Extensivist and Palliative Care Services
UCLA Department of Medicine
01/08: Supplies and Resources
Dear Colleagues:
We write this email with a heavy heart as we continue to witness and learn firsthand about the devastating impact of the fires across the region. We offer our deepest condolences to all who have been affected by this ongoing crisis and assure you that the DoM is steadfast in its commitment to supporting members of our department.
Under the leadership of the DoM Office of Wellness, we are actively working to collect and share information and resources to aid our DoM community members who are facing profound loss. In response to the emergency, we have compiled initial critical resources for immediate assistance to our community members affected. We are also including donation and housing volunteer opportunities for anyone who is able to contribute during this time of need.
Please keep in mind that this is the beginning of our ongoing initiatives to help members of our department as we begin recovery efforts. As other resources become available, we will update you. We also welcome ideas and suggestions about how we can continue to provide support to members of our department during this challenging time.
ACCOMMODATIONS
- LA 211 has paired up with Airbnb to offer one week stay at no charge to anyone who has had to evacuate due to the fires. Dial 211 on your phone or visit 211LA.org for additional information. There may be a significant wait time given the demand.
- The Inn at UCLA (2 rooms left for 1/8)
330 Charles E Young Dr E, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 825- 2923
$153/night. Mention that you are a UCLA employee impacted by the fires. - The W Hotel – West Los Angeles (there is availability for 1/8)
930 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-8765
$329/night. Please ask for UCLA rate. - Kimpton Hotel Palomar (there is availability for 1/8)
10740 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 475-8711
$289.85/night Please ask for UCLA rate.
The following do not have availability on 1/8, but rooms are available starting 1/9:
- Royal Palace
1052 Tiverton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-6677
$199+tax/night - Luskin Conference Center/Hotel
Contact: 1-855-522-8252
$285/night. Relocation rate subject to change, mention you are a UCLA employee impacted by the fires, Dogs OK but no other pets.
HOUSING VOLUNTEERS:
For those of you who are able and interested in offering up a room or space in your home/place of residence for affected DoM faculty and staff, please kindly fill out the Qualtrics form below. This information will be kept confidential, and we will reach out to you directly for a match if there is a request.
SUPPLIES:
For DoM community members that are in need of basic household items, we have gathered some toiletries such as shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, and will continue to expand this list. Please feel free to stop by 200 UCLA Medical Plaza Suite 420 (4th floor) in Westwood from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday for pickup of items, or email us DoMWellness@mednet.ucla.edu to coordinate a pickup. We hope to expand our supplies as well as pickup locations. For those interested in donating items, your time, or funds to help your colleagues who have lost their homes or been temporarily displaced, please reach out to us.
OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you have been displaced and need help with accommodations, supplies, childcare, or anything at all, please reach out to us directly at DoMWellness@mednet.ucla.edu. For those who need to temporarily change their work schedules because of direct impacts from the fires, please reach out to your clinical leadership for these requests which will be reviewed expeditiously.
Our campus and hospitals continue to operate without interruptions. Throughout the day, additional community practices have closed because of local fire activity. Stay informed about the latest operation updates from UCLA Health News – Fire Update , campus updates by visiting UCLA Bruin Safe Online, and DoM specific updates by visiting DoM Connect.
We are thinking of you all during this extremely difficult time and encourage you to lean on the support and strength of the DoM community. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
Tisha Wang, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine
Senior Executive Clinical Vice Chair
UCLA Department of Medicine
Sun Mi Yoo, MD, MPH
Chief Wellness Officer, Department of Medicine
Section Chief, Extensivist and Palliative Care Services
UCLA Department of Medicine
01/08 Counseling Center and Operation Updates
Dear colleagues:
The devastating fires affecting our neighboring communities have made for an incredibly difficult night for many of us. Several DoM community members work and live in these areas, and our hearts are with everyone affected by the fires.
There is great strength in our community and as we navigate this crisis together, I am already aware of ways in which members of our community have been reaching out and helping each other. We would like to remind you that support is available through the UCLA Staff and Faculty Counseling Center. If you would like to speak with a counselor, we encourage you to contact the center at (310) 794-0245. Additional information is available at their website below
At this time, campus is open and operating without interruptions. However, a number of community practices located in the fire zones have closed. They include:
- Pacific Palisades Family Medicine, 881 Alma Real Drive
- Malibu Immediate Care and Malibu Family, Internal Medicine & Pediatrics at 23815 Stuart Ranch Road
- All Calabasas clinics at 26585 West Agoura Road
- Encino Laboratory and Encino Surgery at 15503 Ventura Blvd.
You can receive the latest operation updates from UCLA Health by visiting UCLA Health News – Fire Update. You can also stay informed with UCLA Bruin Safe Online. We will continue to monitor these events and share information as it becomes available.
E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
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