Supporting Employees During Times of Crisis
At PacFed Benefit Administrators, our thoughts are with all our clients, colleagues, neighbors and loved ones impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. We extend our deepest support and concern for those navigating this challenging time and are committed to standing alongside you as our region works toward recovery.
Disasters can leave employees feeling overwhelmed, stressed or uncertain, and workplaces have a unique opportunity to provide stability and reassurance. Here are specific ways employers can help:
Acknowledge the Crisis:
Begin by recognizing the impact of the fires on your employees’ lives. A message of empathy from leadership can provide comfort and foster solidarity.Leverage Benefit Resources:
Encourage employees to seek mental health assistance from their health plan providers, and distribute information about other benefit offerings that can assist with stress management, trauma counseling or financial concerns.Offer Flexibility:
For employees directly affected by the fires—whether through displacement, property loss or caregiving responsibilities—consider flexible work arrangements to ease their burden.Support Peer Connection:
Create opportunities for employees to come together and support one another, such as virtual or in-person gatherings, or by sharing helpful resources.
PacFed is dedicated to helping employers create a supportive environment where their teams feel valued and cared for during challenging times. Please, encourage your employees to contact their providers for any needed medical or behavioral healthcare.
Providers Offering Mental Health Resources (Plans Administered by PacFed):
Kaiser Permanente:
Any member needing help with mental health can call 1-833-KP-WITH-U (1.833.579.4848) or access care through the member portal by visiting www.kp.org.Aetna:
Resources for Living Employee Assistance Program offers 24-hour support to those coping with a disaster. Members can call 800.342.8111 or visit www.resourcesforliving.com for assistance. Eligible members must use an assigned access code and password, so please contact PacFed to confirm this information.Blue Shield:
Members with mental health benefits can access resources such as counseling by calling a 24-hour hotline at 800.327.7451. The latest resources and additional information is available at the Blue Shield of California Wildfire Assistance website page.
Mental Health Support:
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH):
Offers a 24-hour Mental Health Help Line for immediate assistance. Call 800.854.7771 or text "LA" to 741741.
Department of Mental HealthSAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline:
Provides crisis counseling and support. Call 800.985-5990.
CORE
General Assistance:
FEMA Disaster Assistance:
Individuals can apply for federal disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov.Los Angeles County Recovery Resources:
Comprehensive information on assistance for individuals, property owners, businesses, and workers.
Visit LA County Recovers.
Pacific Federal is a Zenith American company and subsidiary of Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc.
