HHS Human Services
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Program Guidance and Information
Administration for Children and Families - Index
Other HHS Programs - Index
- Program Guidance and Information - Downloadable File (PDF - 150kb)
Administration for Children and Families Programs
Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD)
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Act does not currently include provisions regarding disasters.
The DD Act programs base service provision is limited to priorities established in the State. This flexibility in the law allows the programs to respond to disasters as needed and as appropriate.
The Protection and Advocacy System (P&A) has the authority to enter shelters and advocate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Administration for Native American (ANA)
Waiver in Amount of Non-Federal Match
During a disaster, ANA could provide urgent emergency grant assistance to help recovery efforts identified by the community. Funding for community-based projects designed to mitigate or address needs as a result of physical or natural disasters is provided through two (2) competitive discretionary grant programs to eligible Tribes and non-profit Native American organizations. ANA could provide assistance under the Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) and Environmental Regulatory Enhancement program areas. ANA can provide emergency assistance to help fill the gaps that the communities need in two program areas:
1. Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS). Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Projects to plan and coordinate emergency response services within the community and with State and local governments to protect against Acts of nature and other catastrophic events such as fire, floods and environmental catastrophes.
- Projects to improve the delivery of human services
- Projects to develop and implement community volunteer projects
- Projects to address problematic periods and goal setting for independent young adults
2. Environmental Regulatory Enhancement. Eligible activities include, but not limited to:
- Projects that promote environmental training and education of Tribal employees
- Projects that develop technical and program capability to meet Tribal and Federal regulatory requirements.
Can authorize a reduction in the amount of the required non-federal match under certain circumstances, including communities adversely affected by a major disaster. Will require a request from the community covering project scope and budget.
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Child Care
Office of Family Assistance (OFA)
Flexibility in Spending Child Care and Development Funds (CCDF) in Response to Federal or State Declared Emergency Situations
Information Memorandum ACYF-IM-CC-05-03: September 6, 2005
Since funds are fixed and awarded to States on a formula basis, there are no CCDF funds available for distribution in the event of a Federal or State declared emergency. However, the Federal CCDF statute and rules provide States affected by such emergency situations with some options to continue providing child care services despite disruptions to families and providers.
Please go to following link for a list of options available to States and Territories for using CCDF funds to respond to Federal or State declared emergency situations.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/law/guidance/current/im0503/im0503.htm
Waivers and Technical Assistance Authorized by Public Law (P.L.) 109-148 for States Affected by or Responding to the Gulf Hurricane Disasters
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/law/guidance/current/pi0601/pi0601.htm
Policy Instruction PI-CC-06-01 : Dated February 6, 2006
Waivers and Technical Assistance Authorized by Public Law (P.L.) 109-148 for States Affected by or Responding to the Gulf Hurricane Disasters” P.L. 109-148 provided the HHS Secretary with temporary authority to waive certain provisions of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) of 1990 for States affected by the Gulf hurricane disasters and those States serving significant numbers of individuals affected by the Gulf hurricane disasters. In FY 2006, HHS approved child care waivers to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to access $60 million for child care services in support of Hurricane Katrina and Rita recovery efforts. The waivers did not provide additional Federal funds, but lifted requirements for State matching funds in order for these States to draw down CCDF dollars.
Federal CCDF statute and rules provide States affected by emergency situations with options to continue providing child care services despite disruptions to families and providers. States have flexibility to define eligible populations and set priority rules with the program. Some options require the State to submit a CCDF State Plan amendment to the Administration for Children and Families. Under 45 CFR 98.18(b), the State has up to 60 days after the effective date of a change to submit a plan amendment. Therefore States desiring to take advantage of options afforded by CCDF statute and regulations may act immediately.
Child Care Resources for Disaster and Emergencies A website that is activated during a Federally declared disaster or emergency to assist States and communities by bringing together information and key resources for emergency preparedness, disaster response, and recovery that relate specifically to child care.
Child Care Technical Assistance Network (CCTAN) This web site lists the many entities with which the Child Care Bureau has contracted to carry out the agency’s mission to assist low-income families in accessing quality child care for children when the parents work or participate in education or training.
Child Care Emergency Preparedness ACF sponsored website that contains information for policymakers on developing inventories, checklists and plans. Links to sites that deal with many emergency situations from weather and hurricanes, to violence, and pandemic flu.
The “FY 2008-2009 CCDF State Pre-print and Guidance” added emergency preparedness officials or experts to the list of entities with which States and Territories may consult and coordinate. States and Territories are also asked to provide their emergency preparedness plan, if they have one, to their State’s plans as an attachment.
Possible use of discretionary funding sources such as Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) is subject to availability.
Child Support Enforcement
Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)
Payments Related to Disaster Relief Activities or Efforts
Policy Interpretation Questions: PIQ-06-01, dated February 13, 2006
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/pol/PIQ/2006/piq-06-01.htm
Automatic Data Processing Equipment and Services; Conditions for Federal Financial Participation: OCSE-AT-86-3 dated February 12, 1986
These are interim final regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services which establish the conditions and the procedures under which a State can obtain consideration for Federal funding emergency and certain other circumstances for the acquisition of automatic data processing equipment or services in affected programs (including Title IV-D).
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/pol/AT/1986/at-8603.htm
Flexibility can be offered to States with regard to submission of annual Advance Planning Document updates used in the decision process on FFP approval for information technology procurements.
Existing regulatory authority permits waiving Federal prior approval of purchase of emergency equipment and any other Advance Planning Document (APD) or functional systems requirement. Specific regulatory authority for emergency situations is at 45 CFR 95.624.
APD document are expected to provide information on computer equipment and services purchased under emergency authority to replace equipment lost and damaged during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Ensuring the continued collection and disbursement of child support payments.
United States Postal Service officials are cooperative with Federal and State CSE officials in providing information on possible mail service disruptions, and OCSE can engage USPS officials to participate in discussions between CSE Agency officials and employers to ensure the continued collection and disbursement of child support payments.
Dissemination of child support forms to impacted individuals.
Non-governmental organizations, especially Red Cross and faith-based organizations can be access to disseminate child support forms to impacted individuals.
Child Welfare
Children’s Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families
Legislative and Regulatory Flexibility in Response to Disasters (Title IV-E)
Absent Congressional action, HHS is unable to waive or alter requirements that are delineated in the Social Security Act (the Act) or in regulation, including the case review system that is delineated at §475(5) of the Act. Although periodic reviews and permanency hearings are important protections for children in foster care, we have explained that the case review requirements are not a Title IV-E eligibility requirement and therefore, delays in conducting these activities will not adversely affect a child’s eligibility for Title IV-E. See the Children’s Bureau Information Memorandum: CB-IM-05-06, Title IV-E and Hurricane Katrina, dated September 14, 2005.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/2005/im0506.htm
Flexibility in the form of prioritizing disaster recovery focused activities (training, trauma support for staff, and managing logistics related to providing services to displaced families). Prioritized services are updated in the State’s and tribe’s Annual Progress and Services Report. (Title IV-B)
ACYF-CB-PI – 07-05 - Program Instruction issued February 28, 2007.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/pi/2007/pi0705.htm
The grantee agencies have various degrees of flexibility with use of Title IV-B Parts I and II (Child Welfare Services and Promoting Safe and Stable Families), Court Improvement Program (CIP) funds, Child Abuse prevention and treatment Act (CAPTA) and Community Based Child Abuse Prevention CBCAP. The flexibility mostly takes the form of prioritizing disaster recovery focused activities (e.g., training, trauma support for staff and managing logistics related to providing services to displaced families) over non-disaster related activities. Prioritized services are updated in the State’s Annual Progress and Services Report.
Title II CAPTA and Hurricane Relief Efforts
Information Memorandum IM-05-09: September 27, 2005
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/im0509.htm
Purpose is to remind States of flexibility in the Title II program to provide family support and child abuse prevention services that may help them serve vulnerable children and families who have been affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
See SSBG & TANF for possible use of supplement funds for child welfare services.
State Program Improvement Plans can renegotiate action steps or extend the plan for up to one year due to extenuating circumstances, such as natural disasters.
No statutory authority exists that would permit adjustments or flexibility in Title IV-D eligibility requirements.
IM-05-06 “Title IV-E and Hurricane Katrina” To remind States of flexibility in the Title IV-E program that may help them serve vulnerable children and families who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
IM-06-05 “Provisions of New Legislation: Child and Family Services Improvement Act of 2006” specifically page 2, and 6-7.
Training/Technical Assistance (T/TA) Network consists of the following National Resource Centers who are able to provide States with disaster planning and recovery assistance:
Child Welfare Information Gateway Website Resources
http://www.childwelfare.gov/highlights/disaster/prepare.cfm
Child Welfare Disaster Planning and TA Guides:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/highlights/disaster/
“Coping with Disasters and Strengthening Systems: A Framework for Child Welfare Agencies”
National Child Welfare Resource Center for Adoption www.nrcadoption.org
National Child Welfare Resource Center for Child Protective Services www. nrccps.org
“Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect in Disaster Emergency Shelters-Training Emergency Shelter Staff and Volunteers”
http://nrccps.org/resources/disaster_emergency_shelters.php
National Child Welfare Resource Center for OrganizationalImprovement www.nrcoi.org
National Child Welfare Resource Center on Legal and Judicial Issues www.abanet.org/child/rclji
National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology www.nrccwdt.org
National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning www.nrcfcppp.org
National Resource Center for Youth Development www.nrcys.ou.edu/nrcyd.htm
The Collaboration to AdoptUsKids www.adoptuskids.org
To Access a variety of State Plans related to disaster preparedness:
Go to: http://basis.caliber.com/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/SearchForm
Type “state disaster plans.”
Community Services Block Grant
Office of Community Services (OCS)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a mandatory formula (or block) grant to 50 states, the District of Columbia, six territories, and 66 Native American tribes. Grantees work to ameliorate the causes of poverty by assisting low-income individuals with employment, education, and adequate housing by distributing CSBG monies to community action agencies (CAAs) and other organizations serving low income populations. CAAs help low income individuals make better use of their income, solve problems that are blocking achievement of self-sufficiency, and obtain emergency health services, food, housing, and employment-related assistance. This program was funded at $630.4 million in fiscal year 2007. Additional information on the CSBG is available at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/index.html .
Hurricane Katrina
Information Memorandum, transmittal #90, dated September 2, 2005.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/guidance/im90.html
Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita CSBG Update
Information Memorandum, transmittal #91, undated.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/guidance/im91.html
Disaster Response: There are approximately 1,000 CAAs nationwide. In a disaster situation, CAAs are encouraged to provide services to low income individuals, children and families impacted. They are also encouraged to make themselves and their relationships in the community available to support Federal, state and local relief efforts. (See above links for IMs #90 and #91.)
Individuals who receive CSBG-funded services must qualify as low income. In disaster situations, consideration is given to circumstance where individuals may have been made low income by the disaster, though they would not have been considered so before. States are encouraged to streamline the eligibility determination process following a disaster (examples provided in IM#91). Additional funding from OCS/CSBG in disaster situations is not possible unless Congress makes a special appropriation; however, any remaining CSBG funding the state has may be used to support disaster response, as long as it aligns with the statutory allowable activities. It is important to note that disasters occurring late in the Federal fiscal year can present a particular challenge, as states have often fully expended or obligated their funds for the year. Regarding construction, IM#91 states “The construction of facilities, retrofitting of property or the costs associated with the construction of shelters to meet the needs of evacuees qualify as appropriate uses of CSBG funds. States wishing to seek waiver of the statutory limitation on these uses of CSBG funds should forward these requests to OCS for expeditious review.” Notice of Federal Interest applies to construction funded by CSBG.
Head Start
Office of Head Start
Legislative and Regulatory Flexibility in Response to Disasters
Under 42 U.S.C. 9835 (b), and 45 CFR 1301.2 the Secretary or responsible HHS official may reduce the non-federal share or increase the federal share of discretionary funds for Head Start agencies adversely affected by a major disaster.
Contingency funds become available each year as OHS recovers grantee un-obligated balances. Exact funding is not predictable.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Office of Community Services (OCS)
LIHEAP Allotments under the FY 2005 Energy Emergency Contingency Fund-FOURTH DISTRIBUTION:
Attachment 1 - Hurricane Assistance/Options under the LIHEAP program, LIHEAP Q's & A's on Disaster Relief and Possible Uses of LIHEAP funds for Hurricane Assistance
Attachment 2 – HHS News Release: HHS Releases $27.25 Million in Emergency Energy Assistance to States Hit Hardest By Hurricane Katrina
LIHEAP Information Memorandum Transmittal No. LIHEAP-IM-2005-17:
Dated September 12, 2005.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/guidance/information_memoranda/im05-17.html .
Overview: Block grant program to states, territories, and tribes, often subcontracted to a network of local community organizations. LIHEAP’s purpose is to assist low-income households in meeting their home energy costs. $1.98 billion was appropriated in fiscal year 2007. Fifty states, the District of Columbia, five territories, and approximately 140 tribes and tribal organizations receive LIHEAP grants annually. State and Federally recognized tribes may apply for direct LIHEAP funding.
LIHEAP also has an emergency contingency fund. The President may release these funds to assist with the home energy needs arising from an emergency situation. They may be allocated to one or more grantees, or to all grantees, based on criteria appropriate to the nature of the emergency. Generally, funds have been distributed based on the degree to which specific states are affected by the weather or energy price situation that led to the release of contingency funds. Funds can also be released following a disaster; $27.25 million was released to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas following Katrina.
Disaster Response: LIHEAP funds, regardless of whether they are general block grant or emergency contingency monies, may be used for any purpose authorized by statute, including heating and cooling assistance, crisis assistance, weatherization, and administrative costs, subject to normal LIHEAP restrictions. Under law, LIHEAP grantees must have some mechanism in place to handle emergencies, to respond within 48 hours, or within 18 hours in life threatening situations; however, the 48/18 hour time frames do not apply when a state is affected by a natural disaster. The response does not necessarily require the state/tribe to solve the problem at hand, but can include moving people away from the crisis situation (for example, into hotels or shelters). Anything with costs associated with mitigating further loss, or to prevent loss, of life is allowable. The only criteria for LIHEAP fund expenditure is that assistance is provided to low income households and that the benefit is for a home energy related crisis. People who have lost their homes (and as a result, their power), or where there are safety issues about staying in a damaged home with no heating or cooling source, would constitute a home energy related crisis. See above link for more detailed information, including FAQs available from IM-2005-14.
Excerpt from IM-2005-14:
Possible Uses of LIHEAP funds for Hurricane Assistance
The following activities would be considered allowable uses of LIHEAP funds to deal with crisis situations, particularly with respect to assistance for home energy related needs resulting from the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
- Costs to temporarily shelter or house individuals in hotels, apartments or other living situations in which homes have been destroyed or damaged, i.e., placing people in settings to preserve health and safety and to move them away from the crisis situation
- Costs for transportation (such as cars, shuttles, buses) to move individuals away from the crisis area to shelters, when health and safety is endangered by loss of access to heating or cooling
- Utility reconnection costs
- Repair or replacement costs for furnaces and air conditioners
- Insulation repair
- Coats and blankets, as tangible benefits to keep individuals warm
- Crisis payments for utilities and utility deposits
- Purchase of fans, air conditioners and generators
Unallowable uses of LIHEAP funds that are not home energy related
- Payments for water/sewage (unless some of it is involved in overall weatherization, but paying water bills is not allowable);
- Mortgage or rent assistance is not allowable, UNLESS these are necessary costs to shelter individuals from the crisis situation for a TEMPORARY period of time (see allowable uses)
- Utility assistance for households housing displaced victims UNLESS the household is already low income and qualifies for LIHEAP assistance
- Ramps and wheelchairs
- School uniforms and school supplies
- Clothing (except for coats)
- Mattresses, cots, air beds and pillows
Repatriation
Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
National Emergency Repatriation Policy & Procedures Manual http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/RepManual.pdf
The manual, which was revised in December 20, 2005, covers policies and procedures for providing temporary assistance to those who experience unexpected and unavoidable problems abroad, and to assist them upon their return to the U.S. to resume their lives as quickly as possible.
Use of TANF for Emergency Repatriation - Dear Colleague letter dated November 18, 2002.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/repatri.htm
Clarifies the limited use of Federal TANF funds for emergency repatriation development and planning activities. These activities include, in addition to the development of plans, participation in preparedness exercises to test plans and training necessary to implement the plan, and other activities specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 45 CFR, section 205.45 (State emergency welfare preparedness).
Rural Community Facilities
Office of Community Services (OCS)
Overview: Discretionary grant program to assist low-income communities in developing affordable, safe water and wastewater treatment facilities. Six Regional grantees and one tribal grantee provide services to multiple states. The philosophy of the program is to develop indigenous leadership so that the facilities will be sustained over the long term. While the program does not pay to construct or upgrade facilities, grantees’ staffs assist communities in accessing funds for these purposes. This program also funds the Rural Community Development Activities Program/Homeland Security Program, which supports and promotes water and wastewater treatment systems safety through security and emergency preparedness training and technical assistance to small community water and wastewater utility staff and local officials. $7.3 million was appropriated in fiscal year 2007.
Disaster Response: If available or obtainable, making additional funds available to RF grantees in the affected area(s) for the hiring of certified water and wastewater treatment operators and engineers is critical. The number of water and wastewater systems that can be damaged or destroyed in a disaster is high, and a large population would be impacted by a lack of clean drinking water and raw sewage treatment. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, grantees work with health agencies to sample water sources to determine potability and, if not, to determine whether residents and businesses can avoid evacuation.
Social Services Block Grant
Office of Community Services (OCS)
Complete list of allowable SSBG services
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ssbg/procedures/unifdef.html
The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) is a highly flexible block grant to 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories and insular areas for the provision of social services directed towards achieving economic self-sufficiency, preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or the exploitation of children and adults, preventing or reducing inappropriate institutionalization, and securing referral for institutional care. See above link for a complete list of allowable SSBG services. Funded at $1.7 billion in fiscal year 2007, each state has the flexibility to determine what services will be provided, who is eligible to receive services, and then either provides services directly or purchases them from qualified providers.
2006 SSBG Supplemental Emergency Funds - Frequently Asked Questions http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ssbg/procedures/revisedqa.htm
Disaster Response: Because of the high level of flexibility offered by SSBG funds, Congress used SSBG as the vehicle to distribute $550 million in emergency supplemental funding to states following the hurricanes in 2005, with the purpose of providing “health care, mental health and social services, as well as for the repair, renovation and construction of facilities providing those services to victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.” The statue stated that the SSBG emergency supplemental funding must be used for necessary expenses related to the 2005 hurricanes, and may be used to help meet the needs of people affected by those hurricanes according to the states’ eligibility and criteria. Regarding construction, the SSBG emergency supplemental funds may be used for such activities, as long as they align with the statutory purpose and uses of the program. Notice of Federal Interest applies in SSBG-funded construction situations. See above link for further details on the FY2006 SSBG emergency supplemental funds.
Congress may make available one-time supplemental funds to address emergency/disaster situations through the Social Service Block Grant programs.
In order to draw down this funding, States are required to submit an amended pre-expenditure report (intended use plan) for such funds. The amended report (plan) is submitted by a stated deadline as a separate section to the currently submitted pre-expenditure report (plan) specifying uses of the supplemental funding allotment. Ref.: Section 2004 [42U.S.C.1397c] which States "The report shall be revised throughout the year as may be necessary to reflect substantial changes in the activities assisted...." Section 2002 of Title XX of the Social Security Act [42U.S.C.1397a(c)] requires States to expend SSBG funds within the same fiscal year, or the succeeding fiscal year. This has always been the practice for SSBG grant awards to States. States must obligate and expend funds by September 30 for both the current SSBG allotment and the SSBG Supplemental Funding.
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
Office of Family Assistance (OFA)
Legislative and Regulatory Flexibility in Response to Disasters
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides for legislative and regulatory flexibility in response to disasters, including, but not limited to, the following:
During times of a Federal or State-declared disaster situation, States and Tribes may use funds on an emergency, short-term basis to help those affected by the disaster. States and Tribes have flexibility in providing these services and determining eligibility, and as such, regulations will vary by State and Tribe.
Can authorize a reduction in the amount of the required non-federal match under certain circumstances, including for communities adversely affected by a major disaster
States may relax or waive their residency requirement for affected families arriving in the State from another State as a result of a declared disaster.
States may consider changing their eligibility criteria and offering a wider range of services or benefits than those currently offered in their plans. States may submit their amendments to OFA as ability permits. Although Tribes can only use funds for benefits and services specified in their plans, OFA will expedite approval of a plan amendment in the case of a disaster.
As families that have been affected by a disaster may no longer have vital documents required to apply for and receive TANF benefits and services, States may offer streamlined access to TANF benefits, allowing families to apply for benefits in a new location without having to submit the usual documents. For example, evacuees may complete a minimal application form attesting to the facts, and States may consider a declaration from an individual claiming satisfactory immigration status as complete.
States may use Federal TANF and State cost-sharing (MOE) funds to aid eligible families during disasters but there are no separate contingency or supplemental funds for this purpose.
Using Federal TANF and State Maintenance-of-Effort (MOE) Funds for Families in Areas Covered by a Federal or State Disaster Declaration
See TANF Program Instruction: ACF-PI-2007-08, dated November 28, 2007 at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/pi-ofa/2007/200708/PI200708.htm
Public Law 109-68, the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005
Program Instruction TANF-ACF-PI-2005-07: Dated October 20, 2005
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/pi-ofa/pi2005-7.htm
Outlines the key features of the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 and provides information and guidance on how States may access and use the TANF Contingency Funds and loans authorized in the legislation. This Program Instruction addresses only the provisions of Public Law 109-68, as enacted. Should there be any changes to Public Law 109-68, another Program Instruction will be issued clarifying any necessary changes.
Using Federal TANF and State MOE Funds for Families Affected By Hurricane Katrina
Program Instruction TANF-ACF-PI-2005-06 dated October 11, 2005
Summarizes policy and provide guidance with respect to the current TANF program on the use of TANF funds to enable States to serve families affected by Hurricane Katrina and to address the immediate needs of the dislocated families affected by the hurricane. Includes eligibility and payment determinations, income & eligibility verification system requirements, payments from FEMA/Red Cross, residency requirements, short-term non-recurring benefits, other non-assistance benefits and services, TANF funded assistance, penalties, and MOE requirements.
No state plan modifications are required.
Other Office of Community Services (OCS) Programs
The following OCS programs have little to no relevance in a disaster response situation, as their foci do not align well with such ctivities, though grantees of these programs that are located in the affected area(s) may play roles crucial to the long term recovery of the community. These other programs are:
Assets for Independence (financial education and individual development accounts; info at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/)
Community Economic Development (job creation and business development; info at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/dcdp/ced/index.html)
Compassion Capital Fund (nonprofit capacity building; info at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccf/)
Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities (self-revitalization and growth of distressed urban and rural areas; info at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ez-ec/fs_ezec.html)
Job Opportunities for Low Income Individuals
(job creation; info at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/dcdp/joli/index.html)
Other HHS Programs
Administration on Aging
2006 Amendments to the Older Americans Act
The Act also requires state and area agencies on aging to develop emergency preparedness plans and coordinate activities with "the State Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, local and State emergency response agencies, relief organizations, and any other institutions that have responsibility for disaster relief service delivery."
For more information on disaster assistance go to:
http://www.aoa.gov/eldfam/Disaster_Assistance/Disaster_Assistance.asp
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
CMS plays an important role in ensuring continuity of health care services for those affected by natural disasters, extreme weather and emergencies.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244
- Toll-Free: (877) 267-2323 (Employee directory available)
- Local: (410) 786-3000
- TTY Toll-Free: (866) 226-1819
- TTY Local: (410) 786-0727
HHS Office for Civil Rights
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces Federal civil rights law that prohibit discrimination on the basis of, among other things, race, color, national origin, disability, and age in Federally funded programs.
OCR also enforces the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule that protects the privacy of patients’ health information.
OCR Regional Offices (ROs) around the country work with State and local jurisdictions to assist them in emergency planning response, and recovery efforts to ensure that their activities are consistent with their responsibilities under the civil right laws to provide equal access to emergency services, benefits, and assistance.
OCR is particularly mindful of the needs of "special needs" populations, including persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency.
These individuals may need additional aids or services in the case of an emergency.
Provides technical assistance on ways in which health care providers can share patient information for disaster relief efforts, consistent with the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
OCR also has developed an interactive web-based HIPAA Privacy Decisional Tool to assist emergency planners in determining how to access and use health information about persons with disabilities, consistent with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. This resource and other resources on emergency preparedness can be found on OCR’s website at:
www.hhs.gov/ocr and
www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/emergencyPPR.html
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/dtac/
1-800-308-3515 (extended hours when major disasters occur)
Mental health services locator:
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment center locator:
http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/
Buprenorphine Physician and Treatment Locator program (for opioid addiction):
http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov/bwns_locator/index.html
Opioid Treatment Locator (including methadone)
http://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/
SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (SAMHSA DTAC)
Program Description:
When disasters strike, State and Territory mental health/substance abuse agencies and local service providers are suddenly thrust onto the frontline for response and recovery efforts. Often they find themselves confronting new or unknown problems for which no amount of preplanning is possible. During that critical period when mobilization for response and recovery begins, service providers need a resource as close as an 800-number call. They now have the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (SAMHSA DTAC). SAMHSA DTAC provides technical assistance (TA) to the States and Territories in preparation for and response to mental health and substance abuse needs associated with catastrophic events. Based on State-identified needs, SAMHSA DTAC staff members are working to close gaps in preparedness through identification, documentation, and dissemination of best practices. SAMHSA DTAC offers the following services and products:
- A toll-free telephone number (1-800-308-3515) for rapid response to requests for assistance, with extended hours when major disasters occur
- A quarterly electronic and print resource, entitled Dialogue, on emergency mental health and substance abuse-related issues for State Mental Health Commissioners, Substance Abuse Commissioners and Disaster Mental Health Coordinators
- Resource lists on disaster mental health and substance abuse topics
- Technical assistance guidance documents and national reports on disaster-related topics
- On-site technical assistance by expert consultants
- Meetings and work groups focused on emergency and disaster mental health topics
- Outreach and network development for disaster mental health/substance abuse response
Through SAMHSA DTAC, individuals can receive immediate answers to your questions or schedule a return call from an expert for complex inquiries, request telephone or on-site consultation with a technical assistance provider (requests subject to EMHTSSB approval), order publications, and more. Take advantage of the Center’s services by:
- Obtaining materials from our online resource collection
- Contacting a Technical Assistance Specialist electronically
- Calling a SAMHSA DTAC Technical Assistance Specialist on our toll-free line at 1-800-308-3515.
Eligibility:
SAMHSA DTAC serves State programs designed to help people in the aftermath of disasters, regardless of funding sources. Through an interagency agreement with FEMA, SAMHSA administers Crisis Counseling and Training Assistance Program grants to help States provide ongoing support for the emotional recovery of disaster victims. This SAMHSA/FEMA collaboration allows SAMHSA DTAC to train State mental health staff to perform outreach and education on stress reactions and stress reduction through the CCP model. SAMHSA also provides State Emergency Response Capacity Grants, the SAMHSA Emergency Response Grants (funds of last resort for major traumatic events that are not Presidentially declared disasters), the Public Safety Workers Mental Health Grants, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, and an expanding group of special-focus grants. SAMHSA DTAC provides another form of help by regularly assessing the needs of the recipients receiving these funds and providing services and products to help support disaster planning and response.
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