January 11, 2025
The Los Angeles Fires, How You Can Help: A Call to Action for Healthcare Providers, Brands, and the Public
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am a practitioner of eastern and functional medicine. I’ve spent the last 14 years supporting patients in my private practices in both Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. I’m also a woman who grew up in a family of first responders, and have several dear friends and patients who work for the LAFD. I know first-hand the incredible sacrifice these men and women make when they put on a uniform and go into work with the intention of being of service.
What is happening in California right now is unimaginable. There is a need everywhere that you look, and there are endless people and communities who are suffering and deserving of support. But for me, my thoughts always go back to the first responders. Knowing that they are making a tremendous sacrifice, not only in risking their lives, but also in being exposed to hazardous levels of toxins while doing the job that keep us and our communities safe.
This sacrifice puts them at risk for injuries and developing chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety, and an increased risk of chronic inflammatory conditions and developing several types of cancer in the future.
My mission became clear:
To provide our first responders with care packages that contain supplements to actively help them support detoxification, reduce cortisol response and aid in recovery after the grueling physical demand, exposure to extreme heat, and emotional exhaustion that these moments in time present.
My intention is also to provide our first responders with access to holistic wellness treatments including acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, IV infusions, massage and lymphatic therapies, as well as breathwork and mediation offerings by local and virtual partners, without having to jump through the hoops of the insurance system, or the out-of-pocket costs that many of these therapies can incur.
How You Can Help:
In the last three days we have partnered with dozens of holistic healthcare providers who have generously donated their time and services to make this initiative a success. In addition, multiple brands have come on board to begin to supply some of the necessary supplements for our care packages. But we need your help to make the greatest impact for the 8000 men and women currently fighting these fires. If you are a healthcare provider, a wellness brand, or someone who simply wants to give back, there are several ways you can contribute:
Donate Services: If you’re an acupuncturist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or offer any other healing modalities, we are seeking donations of at least five individual treatment sessions for each practitioner. These services will be included in our care packages, which will be distributed to the fire stations and first responders across LA. Virtual services for mindfulness offerings will also be gratefully accepted.
Donate Products: Wellness products such as electrolytes, glutathione, NAC, vitamin C, liver detoxification and binders and magnesium, are also needed. While we are not setting a specific limit on donation, please keep in mind that over 8000 responders are currently active in fighting these fires and the need is significant.
Spread the Word: If you’re unable to donate directly, help us by spreading the word. Share this initiative on your social media, send it to colleagues, or ask your trusted providers if they would be willing to donate services to our cause.
The Importance of Support and Healing
In my practice, we believe in the power of holistic healing. When we take care of our bodies, minds and spirits, and most importantly, each other, we create a foundation of strength that can resonate out into our communities. The firefighters on the frontlines are giving everything they have. Please help in giving them a chance to recover with dignity so they can continue their incredible work.
This is a community effort. It’s about showing up for one another in times of need and coming together to support those who serve us every day. We are all connected, and every small contribution counts.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in supporting this initiative in any way—whether by donating treatments, products, or simply spreading the word—please reach out. Together, we can make a huge difference in the lives of these brave men and women who are working tirelessly to protect us.
Please contact Sarah Norvilas at Sarah@merakiwellnessca.com, Sasha Mealor at sashamealor@gmail.com, Jordan Moss at jormoss01@gmail.com and Jared Ralsky at jralsky22@gmail.com for more information or to get involved.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
With gratitude,
Sarah Norvilas & The Meraki Wellness Team