Leadership Message: Supporting patients, communities during wildfire season

Dear Colleagues,

As the frequency and severity of wildfires continue to rise, our patients with chronic respiratory conditions face growing health risks. In response, at UC Davis Health we have developed a targeted wildfire preparedness action plan to support patients at higher risk of developing respiratory symptoms and underserved populations.

Wildfire smoke significantly impacts individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Poor air quality causes inflammation and can trigger severe exacerbations (i.e., emergency visits and hospitalizations) and long-term, accelerated deterioration of lung function. Children are also increasingly affected. These risks highlight the urgent need for proactive, health system-level intervention.

Our approach is rooted in population health, with customized care strategies that anticipate and mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke on vulnerable groups. Key components of the plan include:

• Identifying high-risk populations using targeted registries
• Building multidisciplinary care teams to address diverse patient needs
• Developing analytics and wildfire-risk stratification tools
• Designing care pathways by disease severity, exposure risk, and health care access
• Implementing continuous improvement measures aligned with patient outcomes

We are leveraging our experience from recent major wildfires to deliver patient-centered interventions. We have assembled a multidisciplinary care team to serve as liaisons between communities affected by wildfires and the health system. Their efforts include personalized outreach, air quality education, and instructions of how to create emergency "go-bags." These initiatives have already made a meaningful difference in how patients manage during wildfire events.

This is a call to action for all of us. Let’s lead the way in preparing our health systems for the ongoing public health challenge posed by wildfires. Through innovation, collaboration, and a population health lens, we can protect and improve long-term outcomes for the community and our most vulnerable patients.

Sincerely,

Reshma Gupta, M.D., M.S.H.P.M.
Chief, Population Health and Accountable Care

Brooks Kuhn, M.D., M.A.S.
Clinical Lead, COPD/Asthma Population Health Team