Skip to Main Content

Affected by the Louisiana wildfires? We are here to help!

Date: 08/25/23

Get replacement medications, nurse advice, telehealth services, air quality precaution tips and more.

Hundreds of wildfires are burning across Louisiana, resulting in a dangerous and unpredictable situation. Our hearts go out to all of our members affected by the devastating wildfires across our state. During this difficult time, you are not alone. We can help you get what you need to care for your health.

Replacement Medications

If your medications were lost, damaged or left behind, we can help you replace them. Call us at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We will help you get your medications from a pharmacy near you.

Get Nurse Advice or Crisis Help 24/7

Call 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711) anytime, day or night.

Our nurses and counselors are standing by to:

  • Answer your medical questions and help you find urgent care
  • Help you get through your crisis and connect you to mental health care

Getting Non-Emergency Care

We know that some health care providers may have been affected by the fires. During the recovery period, getting care in your doctor’s office may not be an option.

If you need help finding a provider near you, call us at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or use our online Find a Provider tool.

Telehealth also lets you visit with a doctor — from anywhere you have phone or internet service. It's private and secure. And it’s a covered benefit for Louisiana Healthcare Connections members.

Call your doctor’s office and ask if they offer telehealth services. If so, they will tell you how to schedule a virtual visit. Your doctor can also prescribe medication during your telehealth session. You can pick it up at a pharmacy near you.

Air Quality Precautions Due to Wildfires

The wildfires have negatively impacted the air quality in and near affected areas. LDH is urging residents in areas where wildfires are burning or air quality is otherwise poor to take precautions to minimize the impact poor air quality can have on their health.

Not everyone exposed to wildfire smoke will have health issues. However, even young, healthy adults can experience serious effects from short-term smoke inhalation. 

Ways to stay safe:

  • Evacuate from the area if you are threatened by fire.
  • Pay attention to local air quality reports and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings.
  • If there is an air quality advisory, stay indoors and try to minimize the intrusion of smoke. Keep the windows and doors closed. 
  • Do not go outside if there is a large amount of smoke outdoors.
  • If possible, keep an air conditioner’s fresh air intake closed and ensure the filter is clean. 
  • If you do not have air conditioning, seek out a local shelter and/or cooling center.
  • Air filters and purifiers can help reduce particle levels indoors. The type and size of the air purifiers should fit the size of the room or house. 
  • Dust masks do not provide protection and will not protect from the smaller particles.
  • Check on your loved ones and neighbors, especially older adults.

Learn more about the wildfires and how to stay safe on LDH's website.

Important: The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and the State Fire Marshal’s Office issued a statewide burn ban on August 7 due to dangerously dry and hot conditions. Gov. John Bel Edwards has urged everyone in the state to follow the state burn ban until further notice and refrain from burning anything at this time.