AltaMed Health Services Launches Fire Relief Fund After Devastating Eaton Fire

AltaMed Health Services, one of the nation’s largest federally qualified health centers, has established a fire relief fund after the Eaton Fire destroyed its primary care clinic at 2661 East Washington Boulevard in Pasadena on Tuesday evening.

The AltaMed Foundation created the 2025 Fire Relief Fund to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the blaze. When the fire broke out, the AltaMed facility was safely evacuated, though evacuation orders have impacted multiple clinics in the area, which remain temporarily closed.

According to Zoila D. Escobar, Ed.D., President of the AltaMed Foundation, “While we experienced the loss of one of our clinics, the health and well-being of our patients is our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that they, and other community members impacted by the Eaton Fire, have access to the health care services they need.”

The fire’s impact on AltaMed’s workforce has been substantial. Fifteen employees have lost their homes, while several hundred more have been displaced. Notwithstanding these challenges, providers, staff, and administrators remain committed to maintaining continuity of care.

Staff have been working around the clock since Wednesday, providing critical services to evacuees at the Pasadena Convention Center. These services include health care, mental health support, medication, and other essential resources. The organization’s Community Organizing and Research Engagement Team is actively mobilizing and engaging community partners to swiftly gather requested items and services.

Sharlene Risdon Jackson, Vice President for Foundation Development, urged community support. “We have launched the AltaMed Fire Relief Fund to provide desperately needed immediate assistance to our patients and employees who have been impacted by the fires,” she said.

Established in 1987, the AltaMed Foundation is a federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to comprehensive health services and reducing healthcare disparities in Southern California. Since 1969, AltaMed has delivered medical services with nearly 50 accredited health centers, focusing on multicultural and bilingual professionals from the same communities they serve.

Those interested in supporting the relief efforts can contribute to the AltaMed Fire Relief Fund through the organization’s website at www.altamedfoundation.org.