The Los Angeles area wildfires will affect people's health for many years, according to disaster relief experts.

The fires can cause severe mental health issues, displacement and financial ruin, which make it harder for people to care for their health.

Talya Meyers, senior editor and writer at the nonprofit Direct Relief, said the disaster takes a heavy toll far beyond those killed in the fire.

"When a natural disaster hits a community, there are long-term impacts that cause increases in morbidity and mortality, but that aren't always accounted for in the death toll or in public perceptions," Meyers explained. "It's something that the larger public does need to start thinking about."

A lot of people were struggling to afford food and shelter in Los Angeles even before the devastating fires. Direct Relief is working to meet people's immediate needs, distributing medications, medical equipment and supplies to shelters like the one at the Pasadena Convention Center. And they provided N95 masks, now being handed out free at GAP stores in the area. They are also working to support health centers and community clinics, which will need to ramp up services for the long term.

Fernando Fierro, assistant vice president of nursing services for AltaMed Health Services, which runs community clinics in the Pasadena-Altadena area and is tending to patients in the shelter, said the donated supplies are crucial to helping people fill prescriptions lost in the fire and get continuing care.

"It's transitioned to more of just providing the day-to-day health care support," Fierro noted. "And it's flu season, so managing public health, but an infection prevention standpoint."

Clinics are also watching out for persistent environmental health risks because exposure to smoke can cause or worsen respiratory conditions. Bacteria and hazardous chemicals can stay in the soil and get into the water supply.

A new study showed costs are rising for caring for Hoosiers with Alzheimer's disease and forms of dementia.

The report indicated nearly 122,000 residents age 65 and older are living with the health conditions. The 2025 Alzheimer's disease Facts and Figures report showed Indiana has 219,000 unpaid family caregivers, who cost the state almost $7 billion annually.

Natalie Sutton, executive director of the Greater Indiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, said knowing the difference between the two disorders is important for an accurate diagnosis.

"Dementia is an umbrella term that represents a set of symptoms that are known with cognitive impairment, memory loss, and ultimately an impact on activities of daily living," Sutton explained. "Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease that is the most significant cause of someone developing dementia, or those symptoms that we know."

The timing of a diagnosis can influence the quality of life for someone with Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms, which can be present in the brain for years prior to detection. Alzheimer's and dementia are unique and personal illnesses, Sutton pointed out, so the frequency and type of care provided should be tailored to a patient's needs.

Forgetting what day it is or misplacing routinely used items are often mistaken for general age-related changes instead of Alzheimer's or dementia. The report found almost four of five Americans would want to know if they have the disease before symptoms surface due to concerns over how a diagnosis could affect daily activities. Sutton noted science is addressing the concerns.

"We can detect and diagnose Alzheimer's with biomarkers like imaging and cerebral spinal fluid, and there are blood tests now that are being used in research settings that are proven to be highly effective," Sutton outlined.

In 2024, Indiana passed a bill requiring insurance companies to cover biomarker testing. Sutton added two Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments to slow the progression of Alzheimer's are covered by most insurance companies and Medicare.

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The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is reporting a second confirmed measles case in March, in a child who was traveling through the state while seeking treatment.

The first reported case this year occurred in an adult Kentucky resident in February. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus spread through the air that can cause serious health complications.

Cody Kemmer, communications coordinator with Kentucky Voices for Health, said declining vaccination rates in the state have allowed measles to start spreading again.

"Kentucky already had one of the lowest MMR coverages in the nation, and that brings us to our lowest coverage in seven years," said Kemmer. "In fact, we've got lower statewide coverage than some of those states that are currently experiencing outbreaks, so we are vulnerable."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said as of May 1, 935 confirmed measles cases have been reported nationwide. Nearly all involve people who were unvaccinated or unsure about their vaccination status.

According to state data, vaccination rates among Kentucky kindergartners have dropped to levels lower than before the pandemic.

Kemmer said the disruption caused by COVID-19 set many families off track.

"With the pandemic, many families fell behind on their routine checkups and wellness visits," said Kemmer. "That delay created a lag in staying current with the CDC schedule for recommended vaccines."

He added that the end of the school year is a good time to start making doctor's appointments, especially for new families navigating immunization schedules.

"We want to encourage families to be proactive and make an immunization plan for their family," said Kemmer. "Staying on track with those recommended immunizations, like the MMR vaccine, lets families enjoy their summer."

A recent poll by the health policy research organization KFF found nearly a quarter of participants believed false claims about measles vaccinations and have not had their child vaccinated.



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Groups advocating for better access to health care have introduced what they call "Care4All California," a package of 13 bills designed to shore up the health system as the state braces for the possibility of huge cuts in federal funding for Medi-Cal.

The bills aim to get more people insured, connect them to care and make health care more affordable.

Chris Noble, organizing director for the nonprofit Health Access California, explained the group's priorities.

"It's crucial that our State Legislature shows their commitment to advancing a universal, affordable and equitable health care system," Noble emphasized. "This year's package of legislative and budget priorities requires no interventions by the federal government and should be adopted to safeguard our health care system in case there are federal attacks."

One bill would make sure people with Medicare supplemental insurance cannot be penalized for having preexisting conditions. Another would require hospitals to prescreen all patients to see if they are eligible for discounted or charity care programs. A third bill would allow undocumented people access to health plans on the CoveredCA exchange. Opponents cited cost concerns.

Noble emphasized the bills build on the progress California has made to lower its uninsured rate.

"These priorities will continue to cover gaps within our health care system, ensure that when people are denied or delayed care, there's certain accountability, or ensure that folks are getting access to accurate and up-to-date provider directories," Noble outlined.

Advocates have also made a number of budget requests, including one to give kids who qualify for Medi-Cal continuous coverage from birth to age 5, rather than making their parents reapply every year.