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H H S Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration

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Emergency Preparedness & Continuity of Operations

Disasters and public health emergencies can have a greater impact on medically vulnerable populations and rural and remote regions.

HRSA develops standard operating procedures and policies; assures that the agency and its stakeholders are integrated into Federal emergency preparedness resources; and disseminates information to stakeholders and ensure situational awareness.

Federal Financial Assistance in Declared Emergencies

HRSA community-based service delivery grantees located in presidentially-declared disaster areas may be eligible for federal financial assistance.

HRSA recommends that grantees take advantage of local and state disaster assistance programs and assistance available through nongovernmental organizations and apply to Federal disaster assistance programs.

HRSA may have flexibility with regard to certain policies, but the ability to provide financial assistance to grantees during disasters varies by program and may be limited.  Grantees are advised to check with their project officer to determine any availability or flexibility in funding during emergencies.

Details: Federal Disaster Assistance: FEMA Guidance For HRSA Community-Based Service Delivery Grantees (PDF - 131 KB)

Response and Recovery

A presidential Major Disaster Declaration puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs. FEMA Disaster AID Programs help public entities (public assistance) and  disaster victims (individual assistance), and help individuals and organizations minimize future risk (hazard mitigation).

Learn more: The Disaster Process & Disaster Aid Programs (FEMA)

Public Assistance
Non-profit organizations that own or operate facilities that are open to the general public and that provide outpatient medical services, such as HRSA community-based service delivery grantees, are eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance under public assistance.

Learn more: Public Assistance: Local, State, Tribal and Non-Profit (FEMA)

Individual Assistance
Grantee patients and staff can seek assistance from a Disaster Recovery Center, where disaster victims can meet with program representatives and get information about aid and the recovery process.

Find help: Disaster Recovery Center Locator or phone 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)

Hazard Mitigation
Disaster survivors and public entities, such as HRSA community-based service delivery grantees, can apply for assistance to make repairs and rebuild in ways that minimize the risks to life and property of future disasters.

Learn more: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (FEMA)

Small Business Loans
HRSA community-based service delivery grantees also may be eligible for low-interest physical disaster loans or economic injury disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.

Learn more: Disaster Loans (SBA)

Coping with the Newtown Elementary School Tragedy. Resources for Parents, Schools, Individuals and Responders. Public Health Emergency NewsroomShare this Widget

What to Do About Flu

The flu vaccine is your best defense against seasonal flu. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine.

Make it Your Business: A Toolkit for Businesses and Employers (PDF - 4 MB) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Flu Activity & Surveillance in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Help from HRSA

Policy Information Notice 2007-16: Federal Tort Claims Act Coverage for Health Center Program Grantees Responding to Emergencies describes how medical malpractice liability protection for deemed Health Center Program grantees works during an emergency.

340B Flexibilities During Disasters make it easier for covered entities to provided needed care during emergencies and disasters.

Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program provides benefits to individuals (or their survivors) harmed by the use of a countermeasure specified in Federal declarations to prevent or treat a declared pandemic, epidemic or security threat.

Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides compensation to individuals (or their survivors) found to be injured by certain vaccines.

For more information: HRSAEOC@hrsa.gov.