The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by the year 2035 there will be more Americans who are 65 and older than there will be children under the age of 18. As the number of older adults across the country grows, planning to meet the needs of older adults during disasters and emergencies effectively becomes more important than ever. Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted how older adults can be particularly vulnerable during a disaster or emergency.

Now, the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is recruiting new members for a national advisory committee to propose smart solutions to some of the toughest challenges facing older adults during and after disasters. Members of the new National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters (NACSD) will advise the HHS Secretary and other senior officials on meeting the needs of older adults during and after disasters and emergencies.

Choosing to Serve on a Federal Advisory Committee

While committee members have different reasons for serving, according to Dr. Prabhavathi Fernandes, Chairperson of the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB), “It’s your chance to be heard.”

It’s also a chance to listen. “Learn what is being done. We have access to information that’s not widely distributed to the public. A lot of it is very informative,” offered Dr. Fernandes.

According to Dr. Fernandes, serving on a federal committee also extends your professional contacts, providing an opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with public and private sector experts in your field. For example, up to 10 federal, non-voting members, will participate in the NACSD, including the following officials or their designees:

• The HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
• The HHS/ASPR Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
• The HHS Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
• The HHS Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The Commissioner of Food and Drugs
• The Director of the National Institutes of Health
• The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
• The Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs

The NACSD Promotes Healthier Outcomes for Older Adults

The NACSD evaluates issues and programs to support and enhance all-hazards public health and medical preparedness, response, and recovery activities related to meeting the unique needs of older adults. Following evaluation, NACSD provides findings, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

You might be right for NACSD

If you are interested in working on issues related to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for older adults, the NACSD is looking for at least seven non-federal voting members (including a chairperson). A minimum of two non-federal health care professionals with expertise in geriatric medical disaster planning, preparedness, response, or recovery; and at least two representatives from state, local, tribal, or territorial agencies with expertise in geriatric disaster planning, preparedness, response, or recovery will be asked to join the committee.

Your experience can have a nationwide impact on the health of older Americans. Visit NACSD to learn more about the committee’s membership and mission and to access the application instructions.