Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research Joins with Walgreens, Cedars-Sinai to Provide Foothill Unity with Free N95 Masks to Protect Residence Cleaning Up from the Recent Los Angeles Wildfires
CHICAGO, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As clean up continues from January's devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is joining with Walgreens, Cedars-Sinai, and Foothill Unity to provide community members with free N95 masks to protect their lungs now and in the future.
This collaboration aims to reduce long-term health risks, including pulmonary, cardiac, and ocular sarcoidosis posed by exposure to wildfire smoke, fine particulate matter in the air, and toxic chemical exposures. Even during the clean-up phase, individuals need to take every precaution whenever they are around or working in soot, ash, or dust that is left behind by the fires. Drawing from the documented rise in sarcoidosis cases amongst 9/11 first responders, especially those involved in the clean-up, experts believe that post-fire clean-up exposure to small particulate matter, which can not only exacerbate current lung conditions but may also expose individuals to risk factors that could lead to chronic lung conditions, like sarcoidosis, in the future.
'Prolonged exposure to smoke and particulate matter can have long-term health implications, including an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis,' said Mary McGowan, CEO of FSR. 'We are incredibly grateful to Walgreens and Cedars-Sinai for their support and generous contributions, which will help our efforts to protect the health of wildfire-affected residents. We would also like to express our gratitude to Foothill Unity for distributing these masks for free as we work together to protect the community's lung health.'
Walgreens and Cedars-Sinai, a founding member of the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance, have each donated 1,000 N95 masks for distribution to residents at risk of smoke and small particulate matter exposure.
'Walgreens is proud to have donated 1,000 masks to FSR and to work with FSR to secure a community partner for mask distribution to those impacted by the fires to ensure their ongoing safety to prevent future lung health concerns,' said Donovan Tran, Walgreens Healthcare Supervisor, Pharmacy and Retail Operations
FSR is partnering with Foothill Unity to make these N96 masks available to the public at no cost. Those seeking masks can pick up the masks at the following locations.
Foothill Unity
790 W. Chestnut Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 358- 3486
Masks Available: Monday and Friday 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Foothill Unity
191 N. Oak Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 358-3486
Masks Available: Thursday and Friday 9:00 - 11:30 AM
FSR is committed to raising awareness about the risks of smoke exposure and small particulate matter promoting preventive measures to protect public health. Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality, limit outdoor activities during peak smoke periods, and wear protective masks when necessary. FSR will continue its collaboration with local health organizations and community partners to ensure residents have the resources and knowledge needed to mitigate health risks from the ongoing wildfires.
For more information about the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, please visit www.stopsarcoidosis.org.
FSR and affiliated clinicians are available for interview upon request.
About Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by granulomas—tiny clumps of inflammatory cells—that can form in one or more organs. 90% of patients living with sarcoidosis have lung involvement. Despite advances in research, sarcoidosis remains challenging to diagnose, with limited treatment options and no known cure. Approximately 175,000 people live with sarcoidosis in the United States.
About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the leading international organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and improving care for those living with the disease through research, education, and support. For more information about FSR and its community programs, visit: www.stopsarcoidosis.org.
Media Contact:
Cathi Davis
312-341-0500
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
The Coastal Health District offering free HIV testing
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The Coastal Health District HIV Prevention Program is partnering with Walgreens to hold free HIV testing events to commemorate National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). This year's NHTD events will be held on Friday, June 27, at these Walgreens locations in Chatham and Glynn counties: 2109 E. Victory Drive, Savannah: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 11509 Abercorn Street, Savannah: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 700 E. DeRenne Avenue, Savannah: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 4210 Augusta Road, Garden City: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 4575 Altama Avenue, Brunswick: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. According to the Coastal Health District, Georgia has some of the highest HIV rates in the country. Many people living with HIV may not be aware of their status. There are many effective ways to prevent HIV or, if you are infected, to treat HIV so you can live a healthy and full life. But the first step is to know your status. As a reminder, HIV testing is always free by appointment at all health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties. Free self-test kits are also available and can be used at home. For more information on the Coastal Health District, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Forest fire smoke causes air quality to remain at ‘high risk' in Hamilton area
Smoke from forest fires as far away as northwestern Ontario and the prairies are continuing to cause poor air quality for Hamilton residents Friday, with air quality listed at high risk Friday afternoon. Air quality is expected to remain high risk into Friday evening. The forecast for Saturday morning's air quality is low risk. Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for much of southern Ontario, including Hamilton, warning 'wildfire smoke' is expected to cause reduced visibility and poor air quality that could have consequences for your health. 'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,' noted the agency in a release that encourages people to limit their time outdoors and reschedule outdoor sports or events. Major forest fires have been burning for weeks in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario, in some cases resulting in deaths and mass evacuations from fire-threatened communities. Until now, the only noticeable impact in the Hamilton area was a hazy, vividly red sun , because the high-flying pollution was not making its way to ground level. But the Air Quality Health Index for Hamilton, available online , forecast a jump in air pollution starting Thursday from the 'moderate' to 'high' risk level. Environment Canada attributes that expected jump to wildfire smoke, which has travelled from Western Canada to Ontario, parts of the U.S. and even Europe. Similar Hamilton health warnings went out in June of 2023 during major forest fires in Quebec . For at-risk populations, including those with breathing or heart problems, experts recommend rescheduling strenuous activities outside. Children and seniors are also advised to take it easy. For the general population, the advice is to consider reducing outdoor activities if you experience symptoms like coughing or throat irritation. If you have to spend time outside, wearing a 'respirator-type mask' like a certified N95 can help cut exposure to fines particles. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Family blames cost of Walgreens asthma meds for son's death
(NewsNation) — A Wisconsin family is suing Walgreens after they say the rising costs of asthma medication led to the death of their 22-year-old son last year. Cole Schmidtknecht suffered from asthma his entire life, and one day tried to get a refill on his inhaler — only to find out his medication, which typically cost less than $70, had skyrocketed to $500. He had a severe asthma attack five days after his pharmacy visit, stopped breathing, and collapsed, according to his father. Schmidtknecht never regained consciousness and died. Doctors attributed his death to asthma. Woman dies from brain-eating amoeba after using tap water to clear sinuses: CDC 'Cole became very accustomed to asthma,' said Bil Schmidtknecht. 'His struggles were very traditional, as any asthmatic has. He was fortunate to have health insurance through us as he grew up. And we were very versed on asthma, as I have it and Shanon has it too. From a young age, we taught him how to manage it.' Shanon Schmidtknecht, Cole's mother, revealed he had never had issues getting his medication before the incident, nor had she and her husband. 'It wasn't until I went to pick up Bill's same medication on the same insurance plan that we had realized what happened with the price increase,' she added. Schmidtknecht's death caught the attention of Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., who shared his story on the House floor in December. 'Cole had his whole life ahead of him,' Auchincloss said. 'Because Cole was forced to choose between paying his rent or shelling out hundreds of dollars to cover his medication out of pocket for a drug that did not need to be that expensive, his family is without their loved one. There's no justification for a family facing Thanksgiving without their child. Cole's death was preventable.' Scientists hooking flies on cocaine to study addiction: Reports Now, the Schmidtknecht family has chosen legal action against Walgreens and OptumRX. They allege OptumRX violated Wisconsin law by raising the cost of the medication without a valid medical reason and failing to provide 30 days' advance notice of drug price increases. 'There's blame to go around to OptumRX and Walgreens Pharmacy,' said Michael Trunk, the family's attorney. 'We have a young man who was on Advair Diskus for a decade, actively and effectively controlling his asthma.' Walgreens, in a statement, said, 'Walgreens extends its deepest condolences over the tragic loss of Cole. While we are unable to discuss specific patient interactions due to privacy restrictions, in general, in cases where a medication is not covered by insurance, pharmacy staff may work with the plan patient, and/or prescriber in an effort to process and dispense the prescription if able.' According to the Allergy and Asthma Network, the cost to treat asthma per person is $3,300. Currently, 28 million people are suffering from asthma in the U.S, which amounts to $82 billion annually for health care costs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
