According to the 2021 National Health Center Training and Technical Assistance Needs Assessment, survey respondents identified emergency preparedness as one of the top three emerging issues requiring training. As frontline responders in disasters and public health emergencies, health centers have consistently shown their unique ability to reach vulnerable populations and lessen the impact of these crises.
However, residents of public housing and other low-income patients often face significant barriers to responding to emergency warnings, including financial constraints, mobility limitations due to age or disability, and chronic illness. To fully address these challenges, it is crucial for health centers to receive comprehensive training and resources, ensuring they can continue to protect and support those most at risk during emergencies.