Wildfires have become a regular occurrence in the United States, with the frequency and severity increasing each year. As a result, the health of individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions is at risk due to the poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke. In response to this growing concern, a multidisciplinary team of experts from UC Davis Health is urging health systems to take proactive measures and implement wildfire preparedness action plans to support these vulnerable patients.
In their article published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation, the team outlines the impact of poor air quality on high-risk populations, particularly those with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, and AATD. Exposure to wildfire-related air pollutants can exacerbate these conditions, leading to inflammation in the lungs, increased symptoms, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.
Reshma Gupta, chief of population health at UC Davis Health, emphasizes the need for interventions to mitigate the health threats posed by wildfires. She highlights the importance of targeted interventions tailored to specific communities or population groups through a population health approach. This approach involves identifying at-risk patient populations, assembling multidisciplinary care teams, and creating custom analytics and care pathways based on wildfire risk tiers.
The team’s wildfire preparedness action plan includes strategies such as identifying at-risk patients, providing air quality education, personalizing outreach, distributing supplies, and partnering with community organizations to support patients. By taking a proactive approach, UC Davis Health aims to empower patients to protect themselves from the effects of poor air quality in their own homes.
As a regional academic health system in Northern California, UC Davis Health has firsthand experience caring for patients affected by wildfires. The team has been at the forefront of recent wildfire events, including the Park Fire, and has leveraged their expertise to provide support to communities in need.
Looking ahead, the authors of the article are calling on health systems to shift from reactionary approaches to collaborative, innovative, and proactive strategies to address the health impacts of wildfires. As climate change continues to escalate, it is essential for health systems, clinicians, and communities to work together to protect and support patients at risk from wildfire exposure.
In conclusion, the proactive efforts of UC Davis Health serve as a model for other health systems to follow in creating wildfire preparedness action plans to support patients with preexisting respiratory conditions. By prioritizing the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, we can better prepare for and mitigate the consequences of wildfires on public health.
