Background

Communities along the Gulf Coast are increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven weather disasters, which compound existing health inequities. Community Health Centers (CHCs), often the first line of healthcare in underserved communities, face unique challenges in preparing for and responding to these disasters. This project, funded by the Wellcome Trust, seeks to design a disaster response framework that integrates best practices, stakeholder input, and real-world feasibility testing. By piloting the framework within a CHC and refining it through community engagement, the project aims to create a sustainable, scalable model that can be disseminated widely across Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

Aim

To develop and implement a collaborative disaster response plan framework for community health centers in the U.S. Gulf Coast serving as the primary health service to frontline communities in emergency response settings and develop community disaster response plans.

Study Objectives

1. Establish Relationships: Between CHCs, community-based organizations (CBOs), and vulnerable communities to work together in disaster response.
2. Framework Development: Conduct literature reviews, engage stakeholders, and co-develop a disaster response framework that meets the needs of CHCs.
3. Dissemination Planning: Develop toolkits, guides, and manuscripts to support replication and adoption across FQHCs.

Project Timeline

• Summer-Fall 2025: Literature review and stakeholder engagement.
• Winter 2025-Spring 2026: Framework design and refinement.
• Summer-Fall 2026: Complete evaluation, finalize dissemination materials, and begin broader dissemination.