Retailers offer support amid California wildfires

NEW YORK — As the wildfires rage in California, retailers are stepping up to support impacted communities and responders who are risking their lives to fight the fires. Among them are CVS Health, Walgreens, Kroger and Amazon.

By utilizing logistics networks and providing essential supplies, these companies are significantly aiding disaster relief efforts, highlighting the vital role businesses can take in disaster response.

CVS Health

CVS Health is actively supporting its customers, members, provider partners and colleagues as they respond to the California wildfires. The company prioritizes the health and safety of impacted communities and is dedicated to providing access to the products and services they need. 

• CVS Pharmacy stores are reopening as it is safe to do so. If a store has not yet reopened, the pharmacy’s phone lines will be rerouted to a nearby open CVS Pharmacy to help patients access their prescriptions. Patients with a scheduled vaccination will be notified of any changes to their appointment by email or text message. Stores are also receiving additional supplies of essential and emergency items.
• CVS Caremark, the company’s pharmacy benefit manager, is enabling pharmacy claims for one-time emergency refills of a 30-day supply of medication for plan members in impacted areas.
• CVS Specialty patients who are within the emergency area and are taking specialty medications will be contacted to discuss alternate delivery arrangements, if needed. CVS Specialty is actively reaching out to patients in emergency-affected areas who need to schedule or reschedule their orders. Order deliveries are being redirected to patients’ temporary addresses as needed. Outreach efforts will continue to ensure all patients have access to the medications they require.  
• Aetna clinical response teams have expanded their engagement with Medicare and Commercial members in potentially impacted areas to ensure member safety and access to emergency services.
• Aetna members affected by these wildfires can also seek emergency care anywhere, as needed. Aetna will monitor the impact the wildfires have on its network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers and will modify its policies as necessary for providers and members to enable access to care. Providers and members can contact customer service with any questions.
• Additionally, Aetna is liberalizing its Resources For Living (RFL) services to ensure individuals and organizations have access to care regardless of whether it is part of their existing benefits. Liberalized services include in-the-moment mental health phone support, a dedicated crisis support website and community resource information. Individuals and organizations who do not have RFL can call 1-833-327-AETNA, and those with RFL should contact their designated RFL number.  
• CVS Health is contacting colleagues who are in impacted areas to confirm they are safe and offer crisis support. Information about community resources and emotional support services is available through the company’s employee assistance program.

CVS Health is also working with disaster relief organizations to provide on-the-ground support for local communities.

Walgreens

Walgreens issued the following statement about support the wildfires:

"We are focused on the safety and well-being of our patients, customers and team members and have taken precautions to support areas impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires so we can provide the products and services the community needs. We have positioned resources and are actively deploying them as needed. For anyone who is unable to retrieve their medications, our pharmacists may dispense emergency medication refills for most medications without prescriber authorization during a declared emergency."

• The store locator feature on Walgreens.com and the Walgreens mobile app can help anyone find the nearest Walgreens and also to check the latest store status.
• Patients can also contact pharmacy staff 24/7 through Pharmacy Chat available on Walgreens.com and the mobile app. Customers can also call 1-800-WALGREENS for information.
• Patients with a scheduled appointment will be notified of any changes to their appointment via email, text message and/or mobile app notification.
• For Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy patients who reside in the emergency area, our Patient Care Advocate teams are reaching out to discuss alternate delivery arrangements, if needed, to ensure ongoing access to care and treatment.

Kroger

The Kroger Family of Companies, which includes Ralphs and Food4Less stores in southern California, has committed to raising $1 million to support families affected by the devastating wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles region.

"We strive to fulfill our purpose, to Feed the Human Spirit, every day, and especially when disaster strikes," said Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of Kroger. "Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy – especially our team of associates and their families – and we are grateful to the first responders working tirelessly to protect our communities."

The $1 million commitment includes $500,000 in company-matched donations for customer contributions. To further aid relief efforts, customers can round up their purchases at checkout to support the American Red Cross or make direct donations online.

Kroger also provides essential supplies such as food and water to local fire departments and evacuation centers. Ralphs and Food4Less stores, some temporarily closed during the crisis, have reopened to ensure access to fresh food and necessities like water and ice for affected communities.

In collaboration with the United Service Organizations (USO), Kroger is sending a Mobile Canteen to Los Alamitos, CA, to support the California National Guard's disaster relief efforts. Additionally, Kroger has donated gift cards to help stock the Mobile Canteen with food, water, and supplies.

Through its Annual Disaster Giving Program, The Kroger Co. Foundation also contributes $500,000 annually to the American Red Cross to aid disaster preparedness and response efforts across the U.S.

The company remains committed to working closely with law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners to provide ongoing support as the wildfire situation evolves.

Amazon 

As wildfires devastate Los Angeles County, Amazon is stepping up to support affected communities through its robust disaster relief infrastructure. With its newly opened Wildfire Relief Hub located two hours east of Los Angeles, Amazon is delivering critical supplies to first responders and nonprofit organizations on the frontlines, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Dream Center, and World Central Kitchen.

Amazon’s first concern is the safety of its employees, partners, and local communities. A 24/7 operations team provides real-time updates to guide decisions and ensure resources are mobilized effectively during this crisis.

The Wildfire Relief Hub, stocked with over 6,000 essential items, is a central resource for distributing wildfire-specific equipment and personal supplies. Items being delivered include:

• Wildfire mitigation tools such as axes, goggles, masks, rakes, and smoke pumps.
• Personal protective equipment like high-particulate-matter respirators, trauma kits, hydration packets, and fire-safe boots.
• Essentials such as water, baby food, pet food, canned goods, and shelter kits.

Amazon is also utilizing its extensive logistics network to ship donated items from across its supply chain, ensuring a steady flow of supplies to meet the evolving needs of impacted communities.

Amazon is collaborating with local emergency agencies to deploy AWS cloud technology for enhanced situational awareness. This includes aerial imagery collection and processing to aid first responders. Amazon’s recent donation of wildfire management equipment to the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation further underscores its commitment to wildfire response efforts.

While some Amazon facilities in the region have temporarily closed, the company is leveraging its national logistics network to minimize customer disruptions. Updated delivery estimates will ensure transparency, and Amazon’s 24/7 customer service teams remain available to assist.

Rite Aid

Rite Aid issued the following statement about support:

"At Rite Aid, the health and safety of our customers and associates is our top priority. In response to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, we remain committed to supporting the community and ensuring access to essential medications and clinical services. During this declared emergency, pharmacists, located within the affected and surrounding counties, are able to provide emergency refills of certain prescriptions to customers impacted by the fires."

• Rite Aid’s store locatorfeature on RiteAid.com and the Rite Aid mobile app allows customers to easily find the closest Rite Aid location.
• Customers with scheduled vaccination appointments will receive notifications of any changes via email or text message, if applicable.
• Customers who are unable to reach their local store can call 1-800-RITE AID for assistance.

"To help support the local community, Rite Aid Healthy Futures, Rite Aid’s public charity, has made a grant donation to the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region to assist with their relief efforts," the company added.