A Collaborative Model for Equitable Response and Recovery in Emergency Management

Abstract

Social determinants of health and overall socioeconomic disparities play important factors in determining the resilience of communities in the face of disasters and emergencies. The Emergency Management field is only beginning to address these special populations in their preparedness plans, even though these communities are the most vulnerable and thus the most important for overall resilience. Current response and recovery structures do not focus on addressing these disparities and rebuilding communities to be more resilient in the face of disasters, creating an endless cycle of human suffering and economic waste. Through collaborative partnerships, both federally and private, Emergency Managers can establish a response and recovery model, which informs future planning and mitigation, that addresses inequities building a more resilient nation.