Author: Olivia Sparer, Division for At-Risk Individuals, Behavioral Health, and Community Resilience
People experiencing homelessness can be especially vulnerable to the effects of disasters and public health emergencies due to factors that include chronic illness, substance use disorders, prior trauma, location instability, and extreme poverty. These issues can also present challenges for service providers, the public health community, and emergency responders.
To help overcome these challenges, HHS and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are partnering to focus on supporting public health preparedness and response efforts for homeless individuals. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has noted that, “as governor of Kansas I saw the adverse effects of homelessness on individuals and families, and the harm it does to safety, health, education and a full productive participation in the community.” Secretary Sebelius served as the appointed chair of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) in 2012 and focused on four homeless population groups, including veterans. In 2013, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki became the new chair of that council.
While many federal agencies fund programs in support of the health, social services, and housing needs of people experiencing homelessness, this population has particular relevance to the VA; approximately 13% of the homeless population are veterans while only seven percent of the general population can claim veteran status. Accordingly, the Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center (VEMEC) held a conference in 2011 that featured a panel discussion on how to incorporate the homeless population into preparedness and response.
Building upon past collaborations and the continued commitment to ensure that disaster preparedness efforts are inclusive of all members of the community, VEMEC and ASPR are hosting a workshop on “Incorporating Homeless Populations into Disaster Preparedness, Planning, and Response.” This forum will bring together policymakers, clinicians, social services providers, and researchers to develop recommendations and prioritize future program, policy, and research efforts to more effectively serve homeless individuals during and after disasters and public health emergencies. The workshop will focus on:
- Communications and Coordination;
- Training and Technical Assistance for Community-Based Organizations; and
- Guidance for Health Care Providers.
For additional information on this event, to be held on March 27 at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center in Washington, DC, please visit: http://www.arc4em.org/special_workshop.php.
Suggested planning resources include:
Have any thoughts or suggestions on incorporating homeless populations into all levels of emergency preparedness? Share your thoughts in a comment to this blog post.
