Emergency Preparedness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people should develop plans to prepare for public health emergencies, which are events that put the health of a community at risk. Events such as biological threats, natural disasters, and other events can prevent people from being able to access the care and services they need. Emergency preparedness is especially important for individuals with chronic conditions such as HIV. For people who are taking daily HIV medication, it is important to have plans in place in the event it is difficult to access treatment. CDC compiles many useful resources for communities working with people who have HIV and other chronic conditions to help prepare for different emergency scenarios.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has further highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness for people with HIV, especially in rural communities. COVID-19 has challenged an already strained health care system in many rural areas and initially led to temporary closures of community health centers and other testing and treatment facilities for people with HIV. People living with HIV may be at increased risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19 and are more susceptible to respiratory infections, especially if they are not able to access their HIV medications and have a high viral load.

Resources to Learn More

Emergency Preparedness
Website
Offers links to information and resources on a variety of emergency preparedness topics including navigating disasters and HIV, chronic conditions and wildfire smoke, and access to daily HIV medication during hurricanes.
Organization(s): HIV.gov, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and People with HIV
Website
Provides resources about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people with HIV. Includes information from CDC, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Institutes of Health, and other federal agencies responsible for compiling best practices and up-to-date guidance.
Organization(s): HIV.gov, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services