Summers in southern Oregon often bring wildfires and smoke, which can have serious effects on our health.
The following links can help provide resources and information during fire season.If you have concerns about your health and are having trouble accessing health care and medications, contact Customer Service at 541-500-0567 or toll-free at 855-722-8208, or send us a secure message in the member portal here.
Fire recovery resources
Thousands of people were affected by the Almeda and Obenchain fires in 2020, and many are still working to recover, find stable housing and rebuild their lives. If you need help, the following organizations are assisting fire survivors:
- Jackson County Community Long-Term Recovery Group:A hub for local resources to ensure that even the most vulnerable survivors of the Almeda and South Obenchain fires can recover from the disaster.
- Oregon Wildfire Resources: Information from the State of Oregon about wildfires and access to state resources.
Wildfire smoke
When smoke levels rise, it's important to protect your health. People with some chronic health conditions can be at greater risk of illness due to exposure to smoke. Please contact your primary care provider if you have questions about managing your health.
- Oregonsmoke.org.org provides air quality alerts
- Airnow.Airnow.gov provides air quality data based on where you live
To protect yourself when the smoke levels are high:
- Stay inside if you can
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Use air conditioner or an air purifier if you can
- Drink lots of water
- Call your doctor if you are having concerns
Mental health support
After the devastation of the Almeda and Obenchain fires in 2020, it’s normal to feel stress or anxiety about smoke and fire. If you need help coping, JCC is here to help. We can connect you to mental health support.
- Crisis Support: For 24-hour mental health crisis support, call 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Mental Health Providers: Jackson Care Connect members can call any of the providers in our network. No referral is needed. If you need assistance, please call Customer Service at 1-855-722-8208
- Resources on coping with an emergency:
- CDC Resources on helping children cope with emergencies
- Red Cross Recovery from Disaster (information for adults and children)
- FEMA: Helping Children Cope with Disaster
- Creating Compassionate Kids: Tips and resources on managing stress and helping children manage stress (framed around COVID-19, but applicable in any stressful situation).
- Early Learning Institute (resources in English and Spanish).
Future alerts about emergencies
- Notifications: Sign up to receive emergency alerts by text, phone or email.
- Roads: Oregon Department of Transportation: TripCheck
- Fire updates: Incident Information System