Rural Health
News by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response
FEMA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comment Request; National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness
Federal Register
Oct 4, 2024 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking comments concerning the National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness, which identifies progress and gaps in individual and community preparedness and to better understand the motivational factors and barriers to preparedness that people face. Comments are due by December 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 4, 2024 - Explores factors contributing to low patient volumes at field hospitals erected in rural North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Discusses how damaged power and communications systems may have hindered efforts to spread the word about the temporary services, and identifies collaboration with local AM radio stations as a potential workaround. Notes ongoing efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a range of local and national partners to locate missing persons and prepare for a potential surge in patient volumes.
Source: NBC News
Oct 4, 2024 - Describes efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist communities and individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene. Highlights resources for farmers, foresters, and communities including expedited crop insurance payments, disaster assistance programs, and nutrition assistance programs.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Oct 3, 2024 - Announces anticipated shortages of IV fluids following damage to the factory that produces 60% of the nation's supply during Hurricane Helene. Discusses the unique challenges for preparing for a shortage for rural Alaska emergency medical service providers.
Source: Alaska Beacon
Local Radio Stations Become A Lifeline For Rural Appalachian Communities Cut Off By Hurricane Helene
Oct 1, 2024 - Highlights the role local radio stations have played in conveying important information for rural North Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Notes that previous storm-related emergencies prompted local leaders to prepare radio stations as part of their response efforts.
Source: Southern Living
Sep 27, 2024 - Announcement from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of additional resources to assist with the ongoing public health emergency related to Hurricane Helene. The public health emergency exists beginning September 23, 2024 in Florida; September 24, 2024 in Georgia; September 25, 2024 in North Carolina; and September 27, 2024 for South Carolina and Tennessee. Offers information and resources for those impacted and responding to the hurricane including CMS waivers, healthcare enrollment, a disaster toolkit, dialysis care, and medical equipment and supplies replacement.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
FNS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP); Withdrawal
Federal Register
Sep 27, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) withdrawing the May 10, 2016, proposed rule titled "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)." This rule would have amended the SNAP regulations to establish procedures for planning, requesting, and operating D-SNAP. FNS is withdrawing this proposed rule to maintain the flexibility to adapt D-SNAP to unique disaster situations. This withdrawal is effective September 27, 2024.
Source: Federal Register