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NRHA provides emergency preparedness, response resource

By Katrina McTigue posted 07-15-2014 11:26 AM

  



As many hospitals and health
 care providers have experienced firsthand, a natural disaster can mean financial strain, organizational confusion and increased risk for patients. 

Last week, Paul Black, interim CEO of Winston Medical Center, reported that his community is still recovering from a tornado that recently destroyed the rural Mississippi hospital.

At the National Rural Health Association, we understand that rural communities face unique challenges in disaster and emergency scenarios. To address this issue, we are pleased to announce a new addition to our website: When disaster strikes: Rural emergency preparedness and response, a page of useful resources and contact information from federal, state and local organizations.

Emergency managers and public health officials may be particularly interested in an extensive database of past disaster responses, funded by the Department of Homeland Security and populated with submissions from citizens across the country. Proactive individuals can use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s disaster specific information to educate themselves and others. NRHA’s page also includes a thorough list of funding opportunities for rural communities to finance emergency preparedness and recovery.

It is our hope that this new page will help rural communities sift through the overwhelming amount of information on this topic to find resources relevant to their situations. To enhance the current webpage, we are looking to add coverage of our members’ own experience in the face of emergency. If you would like to submit a story of success, or of lessons learned, please email editor@NRHArural.org. We appreciate your feedback and submissions.

 

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