DaVita Launches Emergency Plan for Patients Amid California Wildfires
In light of the rapidly spreading wildfires across Southern California, DaVita, a renowned kidney care provider, has implemented a comprehensive emergency response plan aimed at addressing the needs of thousands of patients and employees who are being affected. This coordinated action involves several crucial steps to protect and care for those reliant on dialysis treatment.
DaVita's emergency response plan begins with the registration of patients and employees to ensure everyone's safety. They are diligently assessing the operational capacity of facilities located in the impacted areas, identifying safe shelters for both patients and staff, and ensuring the business continuity for medical treatments. Particularly important for dialysis patients, DaVita has mobilized resources to transfer individuals who require treatment to nearby centers capable of providing safe dialysis services.
To facilitate a smooth transition, DaVita is providing essential medical information and support to these patients, including prescription details, dietary guidelines, and fluid restrictions they need to follow when moving to a different treatment center. The organization is collaborating with other dialysis and healthcare providers to guarantee a seamless continuation of care, which is paramount during such emergencies.
Furthermore, DaVita has opened its doors to anyone in need of dialysis treatment at centers that remain operational. To mitigate the impact of smoke and pollutants from the wildfires, air scrubbers have been installed in the affected facilities aiming to provide a safer environment for treatment.
Regular check-ins are scheduled with local teams to maintain an open line of communication, aiding in the coordination of safety measures for everyone involved. David Brown, a senior vice president at DaVita, emphasized the company's commitment to prioritizing patient and teammate safety throughout this dynamic and challenging situation. He acknowledged the relentless efforts of firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to safeguard communities during these difficult times.
Currently, over 80,000 Californians depend on life-sustaining dialysis treatments, making the continuity of care critical. DaVita encourages anyone needing assistance to reach out via their helpline (1-800-400-8331) to locate the nearest open dialysis center. Additionally, for the latest updates on service availability, families can visit newsroom.davita.com.
In the face of such natural disasters, kidney patients are urged to prepare an emergency kit tailored to their specific healthcare needs, which should include essential items such as emergency contact numbers for their healthcare providers, at least three days' worth of medication, and supplies specifically for those managing diabetes. This preparedness can significantly ease the stress of evacuating during emergencies.
DaVita, which has been an innovator in kidney care for more than two decades, remains committed to caring for patients along every step of their kidney health journey. From offering preventive care to supporting kidney transplant services, DaVita operates over 3,100 outpatient dialysis centers, including facilities in the U.S. and across the globe. They have continuously worked to improve care quality and reduce hospitalizations in the industry.
As the wildfire situation unfolds, DaVita remains vigilant, adapting their response efforts to ensure the safety and health of all their patients and staff. For ongoing updates, visit their official website or call for support, ensuring that those affected feel valued and cared for during such critical times.