Fundraiser to Secure Infrared Saunas That Provide Post-Fire Detox for Firefighters
Long Beach, November 1, 2023 — Firefighters risk their lives every day battling not only burning buildings and raging brush fires, but also battling cancer-causing chemicals that are a by-product of fire retardants and toxic fumes caused by other materials in a fire. Because cancer from exposure to these toxic chemicals is a major threat to firefighter health and safety,community activists and fire department officials have collaborated with a goal of placing
infrared saunas in every local fire station.
Low electromagnetic field (EMF) and untreated wood infrared saunas offer a natural, environmentally friendly detoxing experience for all users, and is especially beneficial for firefighters who need post-fire detoxification. Placing infrared saunas in local fire houses began as a collective vision among the Grass Roots Wellness Foundation (GRW), Bloch Wellness, the Los Angeles County Fire Foundation, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Stacy Mungo, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation was instrumental in securing infrared saunas in Los Angeles County Fire stations 10 and 54, which is the model for this important initiative.
The urgency of this mission is underscored by alarming statistics. According to data from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), cancer accounted for 66 percent of the career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019. In 2016 alone, cancer caused a staggering 70 percent of line-of-duty deaths for career firefighters. Furthermore, research conducted by the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) reveals that firefighters
face a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of succumbing to cancer compared to the general U.S. population.
To raise funds for this vital program, firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Long Beach Fire Department became the “models” in a captivating 2024 calendar, highlighting their heroic efforts through stunning underwater photographs captured by Dr. Rochelle Neally, DC of Beneath the Surface Photography.
Bloch Wellness practitioners, Dr. Karen Bloch, DC, MS, ATC and Dr. Cassidy Brown, DC played an instrumental role in the logistics of producing this fundraising calendar that aims to provide infrared saunas to all 177 stations in the Los Angeles County Fire Department and all 23 stations in the Long Beach Fire Department. The average cost of each low EMF infrared saunas is $6,000.
The unveiling and launch of the fundraising campaign for the 2024 calendar will be held at the Bloch Wellness Patient Appreciation Party on Saturday, December 2nd, from 11a.m. to 2p.m. The event will be held at 6324 E Pacific Coast Highway, Suite C, Long Beach. The new calendar includes firefighters currently showcased on Peacock’s compelling new docuseries LA Fire and Rescue.
To become a sponsor or donate to the effort, please contact Dr. Rochelle Neally, GRW Board
President, at 562-493-5600.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Grass Roots Wellness Foundation
Dr. Rochelle Neally, Board President
6324 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite C
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-493-5600
