The AHA hub for emergency response and disaster preparedness provides resources to strengthen and reimagine the emergency management system for the nation’s health care and public health preparedness, response and recovery efforts for natural disasters and other emergencies.
The CLEAR Field Guide for Emergency Preparedness
Advance our nation’s emergency management system by breaking down knowledge silos, bolstering the public health infrastructure, diversifying health care integration and more deeply integrating federal, state and local governments.
CLEAR Reflections
These podcast episodes highlight powerful stories of response and recovery following large-scale emergencies. Listen as health care leaders share how their hospitals and communities navigated the complexities of recent crises, from mass violence incidents to natural disasters. Gain unique insights into how these professionals have faced immense challenges and fostered resilience in the wake of adversity.
From Ian to Milton: Lessons Learned in Hurricane Response
Lee Health has endured three major hurricanes over the past two years: Hurricane Ian in 2022, and more recently, Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In this conversation, Scott Nygaard, M.D., COO at Lee Health, discusses the impact these natural disasters and how their emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts have helped guide continued care for both patients and caregivers.
Reflections on Recovery: The Maui Wildfires
The devastating 2023 Maui wildfires claimed 102 lives, destroyed more than 2,200 structures and caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damages. In this conversation, Hilton Raethel, president and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, describes how the tragedy unfolded, the steps health care providers took in the face of an unparalleled crisis and what can be improved when the next disaster strikes.
Remembering the Highland Park Mass Shooting
The 2022 mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois traumatized an entire community. Gabrielle Cummings, president of NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, discusses how the hospital team responded to an unfolding crisis and kept not only the community together, but the health care staff as well.
Tip Sheets
CLEAR Crisis Leadership Tip Sheet Collection
A collection of tip sheets that provide hospitals and health systems with tangible strategies to effectively prepare for and respond to varying emergency scenarios including natural disasters, cyberattacks, concurrent emergencies, mass violence incidents and emergencies in rural settings.
CLEAR Crisis Leadership Series
This five-part video series is tailored to elevate the crisis management skills of hospital and health system leaders. Watch the videos to gain essential insights and strategies from health care leaders on navigating public health crises, such as mass shootings, natural disasters, cyberattacks, concurrent emergencies, and on responding to public health emergency response in rural settings.
Mass Violence Incident Discussion
Hospital and health system teams are responding to an increasing number of mass shootings. This episode of the CLEAR Crisis Leadership Video Series features Michelle Hood, AHA executive vice president and chief operating officer, and hospital and health system C-suite leaders discussing insights and strategies for effectively navigating incidents of mass violence.
Featuring:
Adam Apolinar, CEO of Uvalde Memorial Hospital, and Tom Miller, CEO of University of Louisville Health.
Mass Violence Incident Discussion
Natural Disaster Discussion
Cyber Preparedness Discussion
Concurrent or Adjacent Emergency Discussion
Emergencies in Rural Health Care Settings Discussion
Join the Conversation!
Join the conversation on emergency preparedness and response. Engage with 400+ health care and public health professionals to exchange best practices and access exclusive resources through AHA’s Living Learning Network, which offers virtual topic-based peer-to-peer communities, including a group dedicated to emergency management.
Blog
Enhancing Preparation and Response for Public Health Emergencies
AHA Board Chair Joanne Conroy, M.D., discusses how hospitals and health systems are working with community partners to strengthen their preparation and response to public emergencies and natural disasters.
Blog
Rural Hospital Uses Simulation Training to Learn and Practice Emergency Preparedness Skills
Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Michigan partnered with the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation in Florida to practice and refine emergency response and medical surge management.
Blog
A Strategy to Tackle Public Health Misinformation
Erin Fogarty, PhD, details the impact of misinformation in her community of Livingston, IL throughout the height of the pandemic. Learn more about the actionable strategies that she and the Livingston County Health Department took to mitigate these effects.
Blog
Strengthening Crisis Management in Rural Health Care
Building workforce resilience is a worthwhile investment in crisis management. Discover strategies to support frontline workers, build capacity, and prepare for future public health emergencies in rural communities.
Case Study
How Kentucky Hospitals Deployed a Coordinated Emergency Response
In December 2021, a deadly tornado thundered across the southern U.S., producing catastrophic damage. Learn how hospitals coordinated a rapid response in Graves County, KY.
Blog
Next Wave of Emergency Preparedness in Health Care
The AHA discussed the “next wave of emergency preparedness,” at Becker’s CEO + CFO Roundtable. This session centered on three priority areas that health care leaders must address to prepare, respond and recover from future public health emergencies: strengthening cross-sector partnerships, building workforce capacity and resilience, and fostering a culture of preparedness.
Blog
Insights on Emergency Preparedness From Rural Health Care Leaders
At the 2022 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, rural health care leaders participated in an open dialogue on strengthening emergency management systems.
Report
Regional, State Execs Reflect on Emergency Response During Pandemic
State hospital association leaders discuss the determination and spirit displayed by health care workers nationwide since the pandemic. “What our members did is not just heartwarming, but it’s hard to believe how well they rose to the occasion. It was a marvel to watch.”
Risk Communications
Communicating information is critical during emergencies and disasters. Phelps Health shares proven strategies for successful risk communication in times of crisis, which can be adopted by other health care organizations.
Get Prepared
Threats to public safety are increasing. Join the AHA in its efforts to align and unite health care and public health for the next emergency.
Explore Related Resources
Hospitals against Violence
Cybersecurity and Risk Advisory
ASPR TRACIE
Presented as part of Cooperative Agreement HITEP210047, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The Health Research & Educational Trust, an American Hospital Association 501(c)(3) nonprofit subsidiary, is a proud partner of this Cooperative Agreement. The contents of this webpage are solely the responsibility of the Health Research & Educational Trust and its partners and do not necessarily represent the official policies or views of the Department of Health and Human Services or of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Further, any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.